Spanish · Difficult words
How to pronounce hijo único in Spanish
hijo único
Only child
Latin American Spanish · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
hijo único is pronounced /ˌixo ˈuniko/ in Spanish. In hijo único: The IPA may show /x/ or a lighter /h/, depending on the accent. Keep airflow continuous instead of making an English j. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in hijo único
Read hijo único in these IPA segments: ˌixo · ˈuniko. 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.The j-like breath sound
In hijo único: The IPA may show /x/ or a lighter /h/, depending on the accent. Keep airflow continuous instead of making an English j.
Watch out: The English “j” in “jam” is not the sound of Spanish j here.
2.A steady /o/ vowel
In hijo único: Round the lips and keep the tongue toward the back for a steady /o/. Follow the length indicated in the transcription.
Watch out: Avoid automatically turning a single /o/ into the moving vowel of English “go”.
3.Front-vowel position
In hijo único: 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
No tengo hermanos; soy hijo único.
I don't have siblings; I'm an only child.
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
This guide uses a Latin American Spanish model for hijo único. In Spain and other regions, individual consonants may differ. The linked reference records the source transcription; the audio provides one consistent practice model.
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 hijo único
How do you pronounce hijo único?
hijo único is pronounced /ˌixo ˈuniko/ in Spanish. In hijo único: The IPA may show /x/ or a lighter /h/, depending on the accent. Keep airflow continuous instead of making an English j. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In hijo único: The IPA may show /x/ or a lighter /h/, depending on the accent. Keep airflow continuous instead of making an English j. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
