Portuguese · Difficult words
How to pronounce dirigir in Portuguese
dirigir
to drive
Brazilian Portuguese; reference: Brazil · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
dirigir is pronounced /d͡ʒi.ɾiˈʒi(ʁ)/ in Portuguese. In dirigir: The IPA shows a joined “ch” or “j” sound. This occurs in many Brazilian pronunciations before an i-like vowel. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in dirigir
Read dirigir in these IPA segments: d͡ʒi · ɾi · ˈʒi(ʁ). Dots and stress marks identify the boundaries shown in the reference; these symbols are not English spelling. The mark /ˈ/ comes immediately before the main stressed syllable. Give that syllable a little more prominence without swallowing the others.
1.A softened stop
In dirigir: The IPA shows a joined “ch” or “j” sound. This occurs in many Brazilian pronunciations before an i-like vowel.
Watch out: Use the recorded variety as your model; other Brazilian accents can keep a plain t or d here.
2.A light tapped r /ɾ/
In dirigir: Touch the tongue tip briefly to the ridge behind the upper teeth, then move straight to the next sound.
Watch out: Do not hold a strong English r in this position.
3.Front-vowel position
In dirigir: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.
Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.
Hear it in context
Eu dirijo na ida se você dirigir na volta.
I’ll drive there if you drive back.
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 dirigir. 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 dirigir
How do you pronounce dirigir?
dirigir is pronounced /d͡ʒi.ɾiˈʒi(ʁ)/ in Portuguese. In dirigir: The IPA shows a joined “ch” or “j” sound. This occurs in many Brazilian pronunciations before an i-like vowel. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In dirigir: The IPA shows a joined “ch” or “j” sound. This occurs in many Brazilian pronunciations before an i-like vowel. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
