A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Tamales
Learn the correct American English pronunciation of 'tamales' with clear respelling and syllable breakdown.
tamales
tuh-MAH-lays
/tɑˈmɑlɛs/ · tuh · MAH · lays
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
They are a popular dish, especially around holidays, and are frequently discussed in food blogs and cooking shows.
Where the word comes from
The word 'tamales' comes from the Spanish word 'tamal', which itself originates from the Nahuatl word 'tamalli'. These languages are indigenous to Mexico and Central America.
Common ways people get it wrong
- tuh-MAY-lees This common mistake likely comes from confusing the 'a' sound with the 'ay' sound in words like 'ales'. Remember the 'a' is more like the 'ah' in 'father'.
- tuh-MAH-less This error often happens by adding an extra 's' sound at the end, as if it were a plural of a word ending in '-less'. The final syllable is a clear 'lays' sound.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce tamales in Spanish?
In Spanish, it's pronounced roughly 'tah-MAH-les', with a slightly different vowel sound in the last syllable. However, the American English pronunciation is widely accepted.
Is there a singular form of tamales?
Yes, the singular form is 'tamal'. It refers to a single masa-based food item, often steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf.
What's the most common mistake when saying tamales?
A frequent error is pronouncing the last syllable as 'lees' instead of 'lays'. Focus on the 'ah' sound for the stressed syllable and the 'ays' sound for the final one.
How do Mexicans say tamale?
Mexicans say tamal, which is the singular form of tamales. The plural is also tamales.
Do you pronounce the 'e' in tamale?
In Spanish, the 'e' in tamal is pronounced like the 'e' in 'bet'. In English, the 'e' in tamale is often silent, sounding like 'tuh-MAH-lee'.
What do Mexicans call tamales?
Mexicans call them tamales, which is the plural form. The singular is tamal.
