BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE PRONUNCIATION

VOWELS
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
a [ɐ] When in a final, unstressed syllable (gota ['go.tɐ]).
Exception: cases where the letter ‘a’ occurs before ‘m’ ou ‘n’ (see below for ‘am’ and
a When in stressed syllables (ga-to ['ga.tʊ]), unstressed syllables before a
‘an’).
stress (a-bri-go [a'bɾi.gʊ]) or after a stress in medial position (sá-ba-do
['sa.ba.dʊ]).
[a]
á TRAP Always (li-lás [li'las]).

à Always (à [a], à-que-le [a'ke.lɪ]).

Always. A falling diphthong [aj], with both parts pronounced in the same Exception: if ‘ai’ is followed by ‘r’, it behaves as a hiatus and is pronounced in separate
ai [aj] syllable (bai-xo ['baj.ʃʊ]). syllables (sa-ir [sa'ir]). This is not always the case, though (pai-ra ['paj.ɾɐ]).

aí [a'i] When the letter ‘i’ carries an accent. Then the sequence is a hiatus and is pronounced in separate syllables (sa-í-da [sa'i.dɐ]).

au [aw] Always. A falling diphthong [aw], with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (frau-de ['fɾaw.ʤɪ]).
MOUTH

aú [a'u] When the letter ‘u’ carries an accent. Then the sequence is a hiatus and is pronounced in separate syllables (sa-ú-de [sa'u.ʤɪ]).

ãi Always. A falling nasal diphthong [ɐ̃j ̃], with both parts pronounced in the
Here [j]̃ means the same phoneme that ‘nh’ represents: [ɲ]. This has consequences for
[ɐ̃j ̃] same syllable (cãi-bra ['kɐ̃j ̃.bɾɐ], mãe [mɐ̃j ̃]).
sound linking. Thus, both ‘mãe aqui’ and ‘manha que’ are pronounced ['mã.ɲa.kɪ] (or
ãe ['mã.ɲɐ.kɪ]) .

ão Always. A falling nasal diphthong [ɐ̃w̃], with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (não [nɐ̃w̃]).
[ɐ̃w̃]
When in a final, unstressed syllable, in a verb (fo-ram ['fo.ɾɐ̃w̃]).
am
When ‘a’ or ‘â’ are followed by ‘m’ or ‘n’ in the same syllable (sam-ba A quick [n] may be pronounced before [t] and [d] (can-to ['kɐ̃(n).tʊ]), just as an [m]
['sɐ̃.bɐ], can-to ['kɐ̃.tʊ], cân-ti-co ['kɐ̃.tʃi.kʊ]). may be pronounced before [p] and [b] (sam-ba ['sɐ̃(m).bɐ]).
an
When in unstressed syllables before a stress, ‘a’ followed by a syllable starting with ‘m’
âm [ɐ̃] When ‘a’ or ‘â’ are stressed and followed by syllable starting with ‘m’ or
or ‘n’ is pronounced [a] (a-mor [a'mor], a-nô-nimo [a'no.ni.mʊ]). The accented letter
ân ‘n’ (a-mo ['ɐ̃.mʊ], ano ['ɐ̃.nʊ], câ-ma-ra ['kɐ̃.ma.ɾɐ], â-ni-mo ['ɐ̃.ni.mʊ]).
‘â’ always occurs in stressed syllables.

ã Always (ir-mã [ir'mɐ̃]).

Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
e é [ɛ] Always (ca-fé [ka'fɛ]). Exception: cases where the letter ‘e’ occurs before ‘m’ ou ‘n’ (see below for ‘ém’ and ‘éns’).
DRESS
In stressed syllables, ‘e’ varies arbitrarily between [e] (te-ma ['te.mɐ]) Exception: cases where the letter ‘e’ occurs before ‘m’ ou ‘n’ (see below for ‘em’ and ‘en’).
ou [ɛ] (e-lo ['ɛ.lʊ]). Also, when stressed [e] is followed by an ‘s’, it is commonly pronounced [ejs]: três [tɾejs],
which is very similar to seis [sejs], hence the use of meia ['mej.a] to mean 6.
[e] When in unstressed syllables before a stress or after a stress in
e In unstressed syllables before a stress, it might also sometimes be pronounced as [ɪ] (me-ni-
medial position (de-lí-rio [de'li.ɾiw], có-le-ra ['kɔ.le.ɾɐ]).
no [mɪ'ni.nʊ], le-ão [lɪ.'ɐ̃w̃]), depending on dialect.
[ɪ] When in a final, unstressed syllable (fo-me ['fɔ.mɪ]).
KIT

[ej]
Varies arbitrarily between [ej] (bei-jo ['bej.ʒʊ]) and [ɛj] (an-eis [ej] (only) might be simplified to [e] in colloquial speech
ei [ɛj] [a'nɛjs]). (bei-jo ['be.ʒʊ], fei-ra ['fe.ɾɐ]).
FACE

eí [e'i] When the letter ‘i’ carries an accent. Then the sequence is a hiatus and is pronounced in separate syllables (ve-í-cu-lo [ve'i.ku.lʊ]).

éo
[ɛw] Always. A falling diphthong [ɛw], with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (au-réo-la [aw'ɾɛw.lɐ], cha-péu [ʃa'pɛw]).
éu
eu [ew] Always. A falling diphthong [ew], with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (deu-sa ['dew.zɐ]).

eú [e'u] When the letter ‘u’ carries an accent. Then the sequence is a hiatus and is pronounced in separate syllables (con-te-ú-do [kõ.te'u.dʊ]).

en It might be simplified to [ĩ] or [ĩj ̃] in colloquial speech, especially in unstressed syllables

When ‘e’ or ‘ê’ are followed by ‘m’ or ‘n’ in the same syllable (sem-
ên [ẽ] pre ['sẽ.pɾɪ], a-ten-ção [a.tẽ'sɐ̃w̃], apên-di-ce [a'pẽ.ʤi.sɪ]).
before a stress (em-bo-ra [ĩ'bɔ.ɾɐ]). The letters ‘m’ and ‘n’ are usually not pronounced.
Pronunciation as [ẽj ̃] (as below) is also acceptable and common.

Thus, both ‘lapisinho rei’ and ‘lápis em urrei’

em [ĩj ̃] In the unstressed monosyllable em [ĩj ̃].
are pronounced ['la.pi.zĩ.ɲu.'xej]
Here [j]̃ means the same phoneme that ‘nh’
At the end of words. A falling nasal diphthong (bem [bẽj ̃], têm [tẽj ̃] represents: [ɲ]. This has consequences for
êm [ẽj ̃] tam-bém [tɐ̃'bẽj ̃]). Thus, both ‘nem um’ and ‘nenhum’ are
sound linking.
ém pronounced [nẽ'ɲũ].

éns [ẽj ̃s] At the end of words (pa-ra-béns [pa.ra'bẽjs̃ ]).

Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
i í
[i] Always (is-to ['is.tʊ], a-ni-mal [a.ni'maw], ca-quí [ka'ki]). Exception: cases where the letter ‘i’ occurs before ‘m’ ou ‘n’ (see below).

i
[j] When followed by another unaccented vowel. A rising diphthong, with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (fé-rias ['fɛ.ɾjɐs], sé-rio ['sɛ.ɾjʊ]).

in
ín
When ‘i’ or ‘í’ are followed by ‘m’ or ‘n’ in the same syllable (lim-bo ['lĩ.bʊ], ím-pe-to
ím [ĩ] ['ĩ.pe.tʊ], cin-to ['sĩ.tʊ], ín-do-le ['ĩ.do.lɪ]).
Pronunciation as [ĩj ̃] (as below) is also acceptable and common.

im
[ĩj ̃] At the end of words. A falling nasal diphthong (sim [sĩj]̃ , latim [la.'tʃĩj ̃]). Here [j]̃ means the same phoneme that ‘nh’ represents: [ɲ]. This has
consequences for sound linking. Thus both ‘vim o’ and ‘vinho’ are
pronounced ['vĩ.ɲu], both ‘vim aqui’ and ‘vinha que’ are pronounced
ins [ĩj ̃s] At the end of words (rins [xĩj ̃s]). ['vĩ.ɲa.kɪ] (or ['vĩ.ɲɐ.kɪ]) etc.
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
o ó [ɔ] Always (pó [pɔ]).

LOT
In stressed syllables, ‘o’ varies arbitrarily between [o] (bo-lo
Exception: cases where the letter ‘o’ occurs before ‘m’ ou ‘n’ (see below).
['bo.lʊ]) and [ɔ] (cor-da ['kɔx.dɐ]).
o [o]
NORTH When in unstressed syllables before a stress or after a stress in It might be simplified to [ʊ] in colloquial speech in unstressed syllables before a stress (cos-
medial position (co-ra-gem [ko'ra.ʒẽj ̃], í-co-ne ['i.ko.nɪ]). tu-me [kʊs'tu.mɪ], fo-gão [fʊ.'gɐ̃w̃]), depending on dialect.
[ʊ] When in a final, unstressed syllable (ca-lo ['ka.lʊ]).

oi [oj] Always. A falling diphthong [oj], with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (coi-ta-do [koj'ta.dʊ]).
CHOICE

oí [o'i] When the letter ‘i’ carries an accent. Then the sequence is a hiatus and is pronounced in separate syllables (e-go-ís-mo [e.go'iz.mʊ]).

ói [ɔj] Always. A falling diphthong [ɔj], with both parts pronounced in the same syllable (fa-róis [fa'ɾɔjs]).

Always. A falling diphthong [ow], with both parts pronounced in

ou [ow] the same syllable (lou-co ['low.kʊ]).
It might be simplified to [o] in colloquial speech (lou-co ['lo.kʊ], cou-ro ['ko.rʊ]).

oú [o'u] When the letter ‘u’ carries an accent. Then the sequence is a hiatus and is pronounced in separate syllables (Do-ú [do'u]).

A quick [n] may be pronounced before [t] and [d] (son-da ['sõ(n).dɐ], con-ta ['kõ(n).tɐ]), just
ôn When ‘o’ or ‘ó’ are followed by ‘m’ or ‘n’ in the same syllable as an [m] may be pronounced before [p] and [b] (com-pra ['kõ(m).pɾɐ], som-bra
on (com-pra ['kõ.pɾɐ], son-da ['sõ.dɐ], re-côn-ca-vo [xe'kõ.ka.vʊ]). [sõ(m).'bɾɐ]).
[õ] Pronunciation as [õw̃ ] (as below) is also acceptable and common.
(In some dialects, plurals ending in ‘-ons’ are pronounced [õj ̃s] as It might be simplified to [ũ] in colloquial speech in unstressed syllables (com-pa-dre
below: hence sons is either [sõ(w̃ )s] or [sõjs̃ ]. [kũ(m).'pa.dɾɪ], lom-bri-ga [lũ(m).'bɾi.gɐ], con-te-ú-do [kũ(n).te'u.dʊ], con-du-zir [kũ(n).du.
zix].
om [õw̃ ] At the end of words. A falling nasal diphthong (bom [bõw̃ ], gar-çom [gax.'sõw̃ ]).

This has consequences for sound linking: ‘com a’ is pronounced [kũw̃ ɐ]. Colloquially, it may
[ũw̃ ] In the unstressed monosyllable com [kũw̃ ].
even be denasalized and pronounced as one syllable [kwɐ], or even [kɐ].
Here [j]̃ means the same phoneme that ‘nh’ represents: [ɲ]. This has consequences for
õe [õj ̃] Always (põe [põj ̃], co-ra-ções [ko.ɾa.sõj ̃s]).
sound linking. Thus both ‘põe aqui’ and ‘ponha que’ are onounced [põ.ɲakɪ].
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
u ú Exception: cases where the letter ‘u’ occurs before ‘m’ ou ‘n’ (see below). Also, see under
[u] Always (u-va ['u.vɐ], lu-a ['lu.ɐ], ca-jú [ka'ʒu]).
consonants for the sequences ‘qu’ and ‘gu’.
u
úm
A quick [n] may be pronounced before [t] and [d] (as-sun-to [a'sũ(n).tʊ], just as an [m] may
un [ũ]
When ‘u’ or ‘ú’ are followed by ‘m’ or ‘n’ in the same syllable
be pronounced before [p] and [b] (cúm-pli-ce ['kũ.pli.sɪ]). Pronunciation as [ũw̃ ] (as below) is
(as-sun-to [a'sũ.tʊ], cúm-pli-ce ['kũ.pli.sɪ]).
also acceptable and common.

um At the end of words. A falling nasal diphthong (um [ũw̃ ], co-mum

[ũw̃ ] [ko'mũw̃ ]).
This has consequences for sound linking: ‘um outro’ is pronounced [ũ'w̃ owtrʊ].

ui [ũj ̃] Only in the word mui-to [mũj ̃.tʊ] and its derivates (muita, mutíssimo, etc.).
Phonological description of vowels described above

Oral monophthong phonemes Nasal monophthong phonemes

[a] – open front unrounded vowel
[ɐ] – near–open central unrounded vowel
[e] – close–mid front unrounded vowel
[ɐ̃] – nasal near–open central unrounded vowel
[ɛ] – open–mid front unrounded vowel
[ẽ] – nasal close–mid front unrounded vowel
[i] – close front unrounded vowel
[ĩ] – nasal close front unrounded vowel
[ɪ] – near–close near–front unrounded vowel
[õ] – nasal close–mid back rounded vowel
[o] – close–mid back rounded vowel
[ũ] – nasal close back rounded vowel
[ɔ] – open–mid back rounded vowel
[u] – close back rounded vowel
[ʊ] – near–close near–back rounded vowel
Oral semivowel phonemes Nasal semivowel phonemes

[j] – palatal approximant [j ̃] – nasal palatal approximant

[w] – labiovelar approximant [w̃ ] – nasal labiovelar approximant

You can compare these symbols to the symbols used to transcribe your first language. See over for English.
You can also hear the vowel attached to each symbol here: www.bit.ly/IPAvowels
Monophthong and semivowel phonemes in Brazilian Portuguese Monophthong and semivowel phonemes in Brazilian Portuguese
(those also present in Southern British English in bold red) (those also present in Standard American English in bold red)
NEAR- NEAR- NEAR- NEAR-
FRONT CENTRAL BACK FRONT CENTRAL BACK
FRONT BACK FRONT BACK
CLOSE ij uw CLOSE ij uw
NEAR-CLOSE ɪ ʊ NEAR-CLOSE ɪ ʊ
CLOSE-MID e o CLOSE-MID e o
MID MID

OPEN-MID ɛ ɔ OPEN-MID ɛ ɔ
NEAR-OPEN ɐ NEAR-OPEN ɐ
OPEN a OPEN a
Examples in Southern British English (phonemes in bold red also Examples in Standard American English (phonemes in bold red also
present in Brazilian Portuguese) present in Brazilian Portuguese)
Monopthongs Diphthongs R-colored
Monopthongs Diphthongs R-colored
KIT ɪ FACE ej NEAR ɪr
KIT ɪ FLEECE ɪj NEAR ɪ
FLEECE i PRICE aj SQUARE ɛr
DRESS ɛ FACE ɛj SQUARE ɛ
DRESS ɛ CHOICE ɔj START ɑr
TRAP a PRICE ɑj START ɑ
TRAP MOUTH aw NORTH ɔr
BATH CHOICE oj NORTH o æ
ɑ BATH GOAT ow PURE
PALM MOUTH aw PURE ɵ
PALM NURSE ɜr
LOT ɔ GOAT əw NURSE ə ɑ
LOT
FOOT ɵ GOOSE ʉw
THOUGHT ɑɔ
commA ə
FOOT ʊ
STRUT ʌ
commA ə
GOOSE u
STRUT ʌ
Monophthong and semivowel phonemes in Southern British English
(those also present in Brazilian Portuguese in bold red)
NEAR- NEAR-
FRONT CENTRAL BACK
FRONT BACK
CLOSE j ʉ w
NEAR-CLOSE ɪ
CLOSE-MID ɵ o
MID ə
OPEN-MID ɛ ʌɔ
NEAR-OPEN

OPEN a ɑ

Monophthong and semivowel phonemes in Standard American English

(those also present in Brazilian Portuguese in bold red)

NEAR- NEAR-
FRONT CENTRAL BACK
FRONT BACK
CLOSE ij uw
NEAR-CLOSE ɪ ʊ
CLOSE-MID e o
MID ə
OPEN-MID ɛ ɜ ʌɔ
NEAR-OPEN æ
OPEN a ɑ
 CONSONANTS
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
When ‘b’ is followed by a consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’
b [b] Always (bo-ca ['bo.kɐ], tu-ba ['tu.bɐ], a-brir [a.'bɾix)). (epenthetic) vowel is usually added (ab-do-mi-nal
[a.bi.do.mi.'naw]). It is never [bh] (aspirated) as in English.

c ç always (la-ço ['la.sʊ]).

[s]
SEA
Before ‘e’ and ‘i’ (ce-do ['se.dʊ], cé-ti-co ['sɛ.tʃi.kʊ], vo-cê [vo'se], ci-da-de [si'da.ʤɪ]).
c
Before the others vowels: ‘a’ (ca-lo ['ka.lʊ], cân-ti-co ['kɐ̃.tʃi.kʊ]); ‘o’ (cor-da ['kɔx.dɐ], có-
[k] di-go ['kɔ.ʤi.gʊ], cô-mo-da ['ko.mo.dɐ]); ‘u’ (cu-ra ['ku.ɾɐ], cúm-pli-ce ['kũ.pli.sɪ]). And
When ‘c’ is followed by a consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’
when ‘c’ is followed by a consonant in the same syllable (pac-to ['pak.tʊ]).
(epenthetic) vowel is usually added (pac-to ['pa.ki.tʊ], dic-ção
[ks] [ʤi.ki'sɐ̃w̃]). It is never [kh] (aspirated) as in English.
cç Always (dic-ção [ʤik'sɐ̃w̃], sec-ção [sek'sɐ̃w̃]).
REX

ch [ʃ] Always (chu-va ['ʃu.vɐ], ca-cho ['ka.ʃʊ]).

SHIP
This sound is laminal denti-alveolar in Portuguese, as opposed to
Before ‘a’, ‘e’, ‘o’, and ‘u’: da-ta ['da.tɐ], dá-lia ['da.ljɐ], de-lí-ci-a [de'li.si.ɐ], dé-ci-mo
the apical alveolar [d] of English. The blade of the tongue touches
['dɛ.si.mʊ], i-dên-ti-co [i'dẽ.tʃi.kʊ]), do-len-te [do'lẽ.tʃɪ], dó-ri-co ['dɔ.ɾi.kʊ], i-dô-ne-o [i'do.nɪw]),
[d̻ ] (duro ['du.ɾʊ], dú-vi-da ['du.vi.dɐ]. And when ‘d’ is followed by a consonant in the same syllable
the space between the alveolar ridge (tooth sockets) and the teeth
and the tip may touch the teeth. It is never [dh] (aspirated) as in
(vi-dro ['vi.drʊ]). (But see below for unstressed ‘e’.)
English.
d
Whenever an unstressed ‘e’ is pronounced [ɪ], a preceding ‘d’ is
Before ‘i’ (pe-di-do [pe'ʤi.dʊ], dí-vi-da ['ʤi.vi.dɐ]) and before unstressed ‘e’ in final syllables
[ʤ] (which is always pronounced [ɪ] – see vowels above) (bo-de ['bɔ.ʤɪ]). When ‘d’ is followed by a
pronounced [ʤ] (des-ti-no [ʤɪs'tʃi.nʊ]). When ‘d’ is followed by a
JAM consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’ (epenthetic) vowel is
consonant in another syllable (ad-mi-rar [aʤ.mi'ɾax]).
usually added (ad-mir-ar [aʤi.mi'ɾax]).

[f] When ‘f’ is followed by a consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’

f FINE
Always (fa-da ['fa.dɐ], af-ta ['af.tɐ]).
(epenthetic) vowel is usually added (af-ta ['afi.tɐ]).
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
g [ʒ] Before ‘e’ and ‘i’ (ge-lo ['ʒe.lʊ], gi-ri-no [ʒi.'ɾi.nʊ]).
VISION
g Before ‘a’ and ‘o’ (ga-to ['ga.tʊ] , go-la ['gɔ.lɐ]), before ‘u’ if followed by a consonant (gu-
When ‘g’ is followed by a consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’
la ['gu.lɐ]), and both before a consonant (gri-to ['gɾi.tʊ], in-glês [ĩ'gle(j)s], mag-ma
[g] ['mag.mɐ]).
(epenthetic) vowel is usually added (mag-ma ['ma.gi.mɐ]).
GET
Before ‘e’ and ‘i’, ‘gu’ varies arbitrarily between [g] (gui-a ['gi.ɐ], guer-ra ['gɛ.xɐ]) and [gw] The sequences ‘oa’ e ‘oe’, usually transcribed as hiatuses [o'a] e [o'e],
gu (aguen-tar [a.gwẽ'tar], lin-guís-ti-ca [lĩ.'gwis.tʃi.kɐ]). may be pronounced as rising diphthongs (mágoa ['ma.gwɐ], goela
[gw] ['gwɛ.la]).
Before ‘a’ and ‘o’ (á-gua ['a.gwɐ], e-xí-guo [e'zi.gwʊ]).

h ∅ Silent, always at the beginning of a word (ho-ra ['ɔ.ɾɐ]). See the first elements of the digraphs ‘ch’, ‘lh’ and ‘nh’ for exceptions.

[ʒ]
j VISION
Always (ja-ca ['ʒa.kɐ]).

[l] Always (la-do ['la.dʊ]). See exception below. Always ‘clear L’ [l] as in let, never the ‘dark L’ [ɫ] as in feel.
LET
l
l [w] At the end of a syllable (or word) (sal-to ['saw.tʊ], sol [sɔw]). Hence, mal and mau are homophones.
NOW
lh [λ] Always (bo-lha ['bo.λɐ]).

[m] At the end of syllables, ‘m’ marks the nasalisation of the preceding
m MILE
At the beginning of words (or syllables) (ma-to ['ma.tʊ], amar [a'mar]).
vowel, as described in the vowels table.
This sound is laminal denti-alveolar in Portuguese, as opposed to the
apical alveolar [n] of English. The blade of the tongue touches the
n [n̻ ] At the beginning of words (or syllables) (no-ta ['nɔ.tɐ], do-na ['do.nɐ]). space between the alveolar ridge (tooth sockets) and the teeth and
n the tip may touch the teeth. At the end of syllables, ‘n’ marks the
nasalisation of the preceding vowel, as described in the vowels table.
nh [ɲ] Always (so-nho ['so.ɲʊ]).
When ‘p’ is followed by a consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’
p [p] Always (pa-to ['pa.tʊ], ap-to ['ap.tʊ]). (epenthetic) vowel is usually added (ap-to ['a.pi.tʊ]). It is never [ph]
(aspirated) as in English.
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
Before ‘e’ and ‘i’, ‘gu’ varies arbitrarily between [k] (quero [kɛ'ɾʊ], Quê-ni-a ['ke.ni.ɐ], qui-lo
q [k] ['ki.lʊ], quí-mi-ca ['ki.mi.kɐ]) and [kw] (se-quên-ci-a [se'kwẽ.si.ɐ], se-ques-tro [se'kwɛs.trʊ], e-
qu qui-no [e'kwi.nʊ]). It is never [kh] (aspirated) as in English.
[kw] Before ‘a’ and ‘o’ (qua-dro ['kwa.dɾʊ], quan-do ['kwɐ̃.dʊ], quo-ci-en-te [kwo.si'ẽ.tʃɪ], quo-ta
['kwɔ.tɐ]).

r [ɾ]
Between two vowel sounds (a-rei-a [a'ɾej.ɐ]) and after most consonants (pri-são [pɾi'zɐ̃w̃], a- An alveolar flap. Common pronunciation of [t] in American English
bra-ço [a'bɾa.sʊ]). (better [ˈbɛ.ɾəɹ̠]) and of ‘r’ in Wales and Scotland (very ['vɛ.ɾi])
r
At the beginning of words (rou-pa ['xow.pɐ]) and after a consonant in the preceding syllable (hon-ra ['õw̃ .xɐ], Is-ra-el [iz-xa-'ɛw], mel-ro ['mɛw.xʊ]).
[x] Some dialects pronounce ‘r’ in these contexts as [ɾ] (as above).
LOCH At the ending of syllables (car-ta ['kax.tɐ]) and words (a-mor [a'mox]).
Check www.bit.ly/PortugueseR
rr Always (car-ro ['ka.xʊ]).

s [z] Between vowels (me-sa ['me.zɐ]). At the end of a syllable, or at the end of a word, when followed by a voiced consonant (mus-go ['muz.gʊ], flo-res bran-cas ['flo.ɾɪz
ZOO 'bɾɐ̃.kɐs]). At the end of a word when followed by a vowel sound (di-as a-le-gres ['ʤi.ɐz a'lɛ.gɾɪs]).
s At the beginning of words (sa-po [‘sa.pʊ]) and after a consonant (ur-so ['ux.sʊ], ab-so-lu-to
Exception: ‘s’ is pronounced as [z] in words in which the prefix
[ab.so.'lu.tʊ]). At the end of a syllable, or at the end a of word, when followed by a voiceless
trans- is followed by a vowel (tran-sa ['trɐ̃.zɐ]).
consonant (fes-ta ['fɛs.tɐ], u-vas fres-cas ['u.vɐs 'fɾes.kɐs]).

ss [s] Always (pás-sa-ro ['pa.sɐ.ɾʊ]).

SEA
sç Always (des-ça ['de.sɐ]).
After other vowels, the sequence ‘sc’ is pronounced in separate
sc Before ‘e’ and ‘i’ (nascer [na'ser]).
syllables (pis-car [pis'kax]).
This sound is laminal denti-alveolar in Portuguese, as opposed to
t the apical alveolar [t] of English. The blade of the tongue touches
Before a stressed ‘e’ (car-tei-ra [kar'tej.ɾɐ]) and before ‘a’, ‘o’, ‘u’ (a-ta-lho [a'ta.λʊ], tol-do
[t̻ ] ['tow.dʊ], tu-ba ['tu.bɐ]). Before ‘r’ and ‘l’ in the same syllable (tribo ['tɾi.bʊ], a-tlas ['a.tlɐs]).
the space between the alveolar ridge (tooth sockets) and the teeth
and the tip may touch the teeth. It is never [th] (aspirated) as in
English.
Before ‘i’ (tin-ta ['tʃĩ.tɐ]). Before any unstressed ‘e’ pronounced as [ɪ] (po-te ['pɔ.tʃɪ], tes-te-
When ‘t’ is followed by a consonant in another syllable, an ‘extra’
[tʃ] um-nha [tʃɪs.tʃɪ'mu.ɲɐ]). When followed by a consonant in the next syllable (atmos-fe-ra
(epenthetic) vowel is usually added (at-mos-fe-ra [a.tʃi.mos'fɛ.ɾɐ]).
[atʃ.mos'fɛ.ɾɐ]).
[v]
v VASE
Always (vi-da ['vi.dɐ]).
Letter IPA Context and examples Further information (if applicable)
[ʃ] At the beginning of words (xa-ro-pe [ʃa'ɾɔ.pɪ]).
x
SHIP
[s] Before a consonante (ex-tin-ção [es.tĩ'sɐ̃:ʊ]).
SEA
[z]
x ZOO
Between vowels it varies arbitrarily (pró-ximo ['pɾɔ.si.mʊ], e-xem-plo [e'zẽ.plʊ], cai-xa ['kai.ʃɐ], tá-xi ['ta.ksi]).
[ʃ]
SHIP
[ks]
REX At the end of words (tó-rax ['tɔ.ɾaks]).

xc [s] Before ‘e’ and ‘i’ (ex-ce-len-te [e.se'lẽ.tʃɪ]).

Before other vowels, the sequence ‘xc’ is pronounced in separate
SEA syllables (ex-cu-so [es.ku.zʊ]).

z z [s] At the end of words. (paz [pas]).

SEA

[z] At the beginning of syllables (ze-ro ['zɛ.ɾʊ]) and at the end of a word when followed by a vowel sound (luz ete-rna [luz e'tɛx.nɐ]) or a voiced consonat (luz bri-lhan-
ZOO te [luz bɾi'λɐ̃.tʃɪ]).
 Brazilian Portuguese Consonants
Place of articulation
Denti- Post-
Labial Alveolar Palatal Velar
alveolar alveolar

Nasal m n̻ ɲ
Manner of articulation

Plosive p b t ̻ d̻ k g

Fricative f v s z ʃ ʒ x

Affricate tʃ dʒ

lateral l ʎ
Approximant
flap ɾ

When symbols are paired, the one on the right is voiced.

www.bit.ly/IPAconsonants
 English Consonants
Place of articulation
Post-
Labial Dental Alveolar Velar Glottal
alveolar

Nasal m n ŋ
Manner of articulation

Plosive p b t d k g

Fricative f v θ ð s z ʃ ʒ x h

Affricate tʃ dʒ

lateral l
Approximant
flap ɹ̠

When symbols are paired, the one on the right is voiced.

www.bit.ly/IPAconsonants

Rodolfo Piskorski
Cardiff University
School of Modern Languages