A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Chichén Itzá
Pronounce Chichén Itzá like the ancient Maya city: chee-CHEN ee-TSAH. Learn the stress and sounds.
chichén itzá
chee-CHEN ee-TSAH
/chee-CHEN ee-TSAH/ · chee · CHEN · ee · TSAH
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a popular topic in travel guides and documentaries.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Chichén Itzá' comes from the Yucatec Maya language. 'Chichén' means 'at the mouth of the well' and 'Itzá' refers to the name of the Maya people who lived there.
Common ways people get it wrong
- CHICK-en ee-TSAH The 'chi' sound is like 'chee' in 'cheese', not 'chick' in 'chicken'. Focus on the 'ee' sound.
- CHISH-en ee-TSAH The 'ch' sound is a soft 'ch' like in 'church', not a 'sh' sound. Keep the 'ch' sound clear.
Frequently asked
What is the correct pronunciation of Chichen Itza?
The most common pronunciation in English is chee-CHEN ee-TSAH. The stress falls on the second syllable of 'Chichén' and the last syllable of 'Itzá'.
Is it Chichen Itza or Chichén Itzá?
The correct spelling includes the accent marks: Chichén Itzá. These indicate the pronunciation and stress in the original Maya language.
How do you say the 'tz' sound in Itzá?
The 'tz' sound is like the 'ts' in 'cats' or 'bits'. Practice saying 'ee-TSAH' to get the sound right.
