A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Oaxaca
Learn the correct way to pronounce the Mexican city and state of Oaxaca, avoiding common pitfalls for English speakers.
oaxaca
wah-HAH-kah
/wəˈhɑːkə/ · wa · ha · ka
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is the name of both a major city and the surrounding state.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the Nahuatl word Huaxyacac, which refers to the place where huaje trees grow.
Common ways people get it wrong
- oh-AX-ah-kah English speakers often try to pronounce the 'O' as a long 'O' and the 'x' as a hard 'ks' sound; ignore the spelling and focus on the 'wah' sound.
Frequently asked
Is the X in Oaxaca pronounced like an X?
No, the X functions as an H sound in this Nahuatl-derived name. It is a common point of confusion for those who only see the word written down.
How do I say Oaxacan?
The demonym is pronounced wah-HAH-kahn. The stress remains on the second syllable.
Is it rude to mispronounce Oaxaca?
Most locals are understanding of tourists, but learning the correct pronunciation shows respect for the region's indigenous roots. It is a simple correction that goes a long way.
How do you pronounce Oaxaca in Mexico?
In Mexico, Oaxaca is pronounced 'wah-HAH-kah'. The 'O' is like the 'wo' in 'won', the 'a' sounds are open like in 'father', and the 'x' sounds like a hard 'h'.
How do you say Oaxaca cheese in Spanish?
Oaxaca cheese is called 'queso Oaxaca' in Spanish. The pronunciation is 'KEH-so wah-HAH-kah'.
Pronunciation of Oaxaca in Spanish
The Spanish pronunciation of Oaxaca is 'wah-HAH-kah'. Pay attention to the open vowel sounds and the 'x' sounding like an 'h'.
