Portuguese · Difficult words
How to pronounce céu in Portuguese
céu
Sky
Brazilian Portuguese; reference: Brazil · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
céu is pronounced /ˈsɛw/ in Portuguese. In céu: The symbols /ɛ/ and /ɔ/ indicate more open vowel positions than /e/ and /o/. Keep the jaw relaxed and the vowel steady. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in céu
The reference transcription for céu is /ˈsɛw/. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. The mark /ˈ/ comes immediately before the main stressed syllable. Give that syllable a little more prominence without swallowing the others.
1.Open vowels
In céu: The symbols /ɛ/ and /ɔ/ indicate more open vowel positions than /e/ and /o/. Keep the jaw relaxed and the vowel steady.
Watch out: Do not assume every written e or o has the same vowel quality.
2.The open /ɛ/ vowel
In céu: Keep the vowel open, like the vowel in many pronunciations of English “bed”, without a final glide.
Watch out: Avoid turning this vowel into English “ay”.
3.A clear /s/
In céu: Let air pass through a narrow groove near the front of the mouth. Keep the sound unvoiced.
Watch out: Do not add voicing and turn /s/ into /z/.
Hear it in context
Olha o céu azul sem nenhuma nuvem.
Look at the blue sky with no clouds.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
The recording uses a Brazilian Portuguese voice for céu. Portuguese in Portugal and other regions can differ in vowel reduction and consonants. The reference may list several realizations; the transcription here is selected for a Brazilian or unmarked pronunciation.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about céu
How do you pronounce céu?
céu is pronounced /ˈsɛw/ in Portuguese. In céu: The symbols /ɛ/ and /ɔ/ indicate more open vowel positions than /e/ and /o/. Keep the jaw relaxed and the vowel steady. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In céu: The symbols /ɛ/ and /ɔ/ indicate more open vowel positions than /e/ and /o/. Keep the jaw relaxed and the vowel steady. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
