Portuguese · Difficult words

How to pronounce norte in Portuguese

norte

North

NAWR-chee/ˈnɔʁ.t͡ʃi/

Brazilian Portuguese; reference: Brazil · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.

norte is pronounced /ˈnɔʁ.t͡ʃi/ in Portuguese. In norte: 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 norte

Read norte in these IPA segments: ˈnɔʁ · t͡ʃi. 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. 1.A softened stop

    In norte: 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. 2.Open vowels

    In norte: 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.

  3. 3.The open /ɔ/ vowel

    In norte: Round the lips and keep a relatively open jaw. Sustain one vowel rather than moving toward a w sound.

    Watch out: English “oh” often moves during the vowel; follow the steadier sound in the recording.

Hear it in context

Vamos passar as férias no norte do país.

We’re spending the holidays in the north of the country.

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 norte. 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 norte

How do you pronounce norte?

norte is pronounced /ˈnɔʁ.t͡ʃi/ in Portuguese. In norte: 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 norte: 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.

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