Portuguese · Difficult words
How to pronounce somente in Portuguese
somente
Only
Brazilian Portuguese; reference: Brazil · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
somente is pronounced /ˌsɔˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ in Portuguese. In somente: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in somente
Read somente in these IPA segments: ˌsɔ · ˈmẽ · 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.Nasal resonance
In somente: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape.
Watch out: Do not add a strong n or m just because an English respelling uses one to suggest nasality.
2.A softened stop
In somente: 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.
3.Open vowels
In somente: 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.
Hear it in context
Aqui aceitam somente Pix e cartão.
Here they only accept Pix and card.
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 somente. 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 somente
How do you pronounce somente?
somente is pronounced /ˌsɔˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ in Portuguese. In somente: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In somente: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
