Whether because of the sequence of sounds or the way the tongue needs to move, they cause a knot in the tongue.
The Portuguese language is full of challenges, and some words seem to have been designed to confuse us!
Even though they are native speakers, many Brazilians have difficulty pronouncing certain terms, either because of the sequence of sounds or the way the tongue needs to move.
Check out 6 words that really make your tongue knot:
6 words that tie up the tongue and not all Brazilians can speak correctly
1. Cobblestone
Classic on any list of tongue twisters, “paralelepiped” requires precise articulation. The sequence of fast and repetitive syllables leaves many people stumbling over their pronunciation.
2. Otolaryngologist
Anyone who needs to consult with this specialist knows that just the name of the doctor is a litmus test. With so many complicated syllables and sounds, it’s not uncommon to hear versions like “otorino” or “otorrino-larigo”!
3. Extremely unconstitutional
This is famous for being one of the longest words in Portuguese. Despite being rare in everyday life, its pronunciation is complicated by the number of syllables and the need to speak quickly.
4. Transport Disorder
The combination of “disorder” and “load” may seem simple on paper, but try to speak quickly! The repetitive sounds and consonants together make many people get confused.
5. Meteorology
As much as it is present in the news, many Brazilians stumble when it comes to saying “meteorology”. It is common to hear simplified versions such as “meteor” or “meteorology”.
6. Proparoxytone
Even though it is a term used to describe words in grammar, its pronunciation itself is a test. The triple “pro” sound can cause confusion for those who are not used to it.
These words are proof that Portuguese is full of surprises! And you, can you say them all without making mistakes? How about training and challenging your friends? 😄
