A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Sevilla
Learn to pronounce the Spanish city of Sevilla correctly with this simple guide for English speakers.
sevilla
suh-VEE-yuh
/səˈvi.jə/ · se · vi · lla
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It also appears frequently on menus featuring Sevillian-style tapas or sherry wines.
Where the word comes from
The name originates from the Phoenician word Spali, which was later Latinized to Hispalis and eventually evolved into Sevilla through Arabic influence.
Common ways people get it wrong
- seh-VIL-uh This is the common Anglicized pronunciation of the city's English name, Seville; use the 'yuh' sound to be closer to the Spanish original.
- seh-VIL-la English speakers often pronounce the double 'l' as an 'l' sound, but in Spanish, 'll' is pronounced like a 'y'.
Frequently asked
Is it Sevilla or Seville?
Seville is the traditional English name for the city, while Sevilla is the native Spanish name. Using Sevilla shows respect for the local language when traveling.
Do I pronounce the double L like an L?
No, in Spanish the double L is a digraph pronounced as a 'y' sound. Avoid the hard 'l' sound to sound more authentic.
Should I use a lisp for the S?
In the dialect of southern Spain, the 's' is often pronounced with a soft sound similar to English. You do not need to use a 'th' sound for the 's' in Sevilla.
Is it pronounced Seville or Sevilla?
In English, the city is commonly referred to as Seville. The Spanish spelling, Sevilla, is pronounced with a distinct 'ee-yah' sound at the end.
How is Sevilla pronounced in Spanish?
In Spanish, Sevilla is pronounced seh-VEE-yah. The 'll' makes a 'y' sound, and the stress is on the second syllable.
What is the difference between Seville and Sevilla pronunciation?
Seville is the English pronunciation, often sounding like 'seh-VIL'. Sevilla is the Spanish pronunciation, 'seh-VEE-yah', with a softer ending.
