Portuguese · Difficult words
How to pronounce relógio in Portuguese
relógio
Clock
Brazilian Portuguese; reference: Brazil · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
relógio is pronounced /ʁeˈlɔ.ʒju/ in Portuguese. In relógio: 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 relógio
Read relógio in these IPA segments: ʁe · ˈlɔ · ʒju. 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.Open vowels
In relógio: 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.A steady /e/ vowel
In relógio: Keep the tongue toward the front and sustain a single /e/ vowel. Listen for its exact height in the recording.
Watch out: English “ay” often ends with a glide; do not automatically carry that glide into this vowel.
3.The open /ɔ/ vowel
In relógio: 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
Olhei o relógio e vi que já eram oito.
I looked at the clock and saw it was already eight.
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 relógio. 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 relógio
How do you pronounce relógio?
relógio is pronounced /ʁeˈlɔ.ʒju/ in Portuguese. In relógio: 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 relógio: 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.

