How Do Locals Pronounce Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, one of the most important things to know is how to pronounce the city’s name correctly. You don’t want to sound like a tourist by saying “Bar-suh-lona” when the locals say “Barth-eh-loh-nah”. Here’s a guide on how to say Barcelona like a local.

Why pronunciation matters

Pronouncing Barcelona correctly shows that you respect the local language and culture. It is also an essential aspect of effective communication while traveling in the city. The right pronunciation may help you avoid confusion or misunderstandings, especially when asking for directions or ordering food.

The correct pronunciation

The correct way to pronounce Barcelona is “Barth-eh-loh-nah.” The first syllable, “Barth,” should be pronounced with a soft ‘th’ sound as in “thick” or “think.”

The second syllable, “eh,” should be pronounced as a soft ‘e’ as in “egg.” The third syllable, “loh,” should be pronounced with an open ‘o’ sound as in “law”. Finally, the last syllable, “-nah,” should be pronounced with emphasis on the ‘-nah’ part.

How do locals pronounce it?

The locals of Barcelona typically pronounce their city’s name with emphasis on the second-to-last syllable, “-loh.” This is because Catalan (the official language of Catalonia) is a stress-timed language where emphasis falls on certain syllables based on their position in the word.

Common mispronunciations

Some common mispronunciations include:

  • Bar-suh-lona – This is an anglicized version of the name and isn’t correct.
  • Bar-th-el-o-nah – This version emphasizes the wrong syllables and doesn’t sound natural.
  • Bar-th-ay-lo-nah – This pronunciation is a mix of Spanish and Catalan and isn’t correct.

Practice makes perfect

The best way to learn how to pronounce Barcelona correctly is to practice saying it out loud. You can also listen to locals say the word, watch videos online, or use language learning apps to improve your pronunciation.

In conclusion

Knowing how to pronounce Barcelona correctly is an essential aspect of traveling in the city. By following this guide and practicing your pronunciation, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with locals and show respect for their language and culture. So go ahead and try it out – say “Barth-eh-loh-nah” like a local!