2 syllables: Pe, sos. Stress on Pe.
PAY-sohz
/ˈpeɪsoʊz/
Pesos is pronounced PAY-sohz (/ˈpeɪsoʊz/). It has two syllables (Pe-sos), with the stress on "Pe". Pesos is the plural form of peso, a unit of currency used in several Latin American countries and the Philippines. In American English, it refers to monetary notes or coins from Spanish-speaking regions. The term carries regional financial context and can be heard in news, travel, and conversations about exchange rates or shopping.
nounPesos is the plural form of peso, a unit of currency used in several Latin American countries and the Philippines. In American English, it refers to monetary notes or coins from Spanish-speaking regions. The term carries regional financial context and can be heard in news, travel, and conversations about exchange rates or shopping.
How to Pronounce Pesos
"I exchanged my dollars for pesos at the airport desk."
"The exchange rate between the peso and the dollar fluctuates daily."
"She saved pesos from her trip to Mexico."
You pronounce it as PEH-sos with the first syllable stressed. In IPA: US/UK/AU approximations: US/UK: /ˈpeɪ.soʊz/; AU: /ˈpeɪ.sɒz/ depending on speaker. The first vowel is a mid diphthong in many speakers (the 'e' sounds like the 'ay' in 'say'), and the final 'os' sounds like 'soze' in US English. Keep the sibilant at the end clear; avoid turning it into 'peso' with singular stress. Visualize the mouth opening for /eɪ/ and finishing with /soʊz/ or /sɒz/ depending on accent.
Common errors are pronouncing as PES-os with flat ‘e’ instead of the diphthong /eɪ/ and softening the final /z/ into /s/ or /z/ equally. Another pitfall is misplacing stress, saying pesOS or peSOs. Corrective tips: 1) pronounce the first syllable with /eɪ/ as in ‘say,’ 2) ensure the final /z/ is voiced; keep breathing and voice consistent, 3) end with /z/ not /s/ when emphasizing the plural. Practice with minimal pairs like ‘pays’ vs ‘pesos’ to feel the difference.
In US English, /ˈpeɪ.soʊz/ with a clear /eɪ/ and a long /oʊ/ in the second syllable. UK often keeps /ˈpeɪ.sɒz/ with a shorter second vowel, and often a non-rhotic r-less feel in related words, though pesos itself ends in z, so no rhoticity issue. Australian tends to maintain /ˈpeɪ.sɒz/ or /ˈpeɪ.soʊz/ depending on region, with slightly flatter vowel qualities and less rhotic influence. The final /z/ remains voiced across accents.
Two main challenges: 1) the initial diphthong /eɪ/ requires a smooth glide from /e/ to /ɪ/; many learners substitute a pure /e/ or /ɛ/ leading to a flat ‘pay-soss’ sound. 2) the final /z/ demands a voiced fricative at the end; some learners inadvertently pronounce /s/ or devoiced /z/. Focus on a clean /eɪ/ onset and a voiced /z/ release. Ensure the two syllables flow together without excessive separation.
Pesos’ first syllable carries stress and uses a stressed, high-front vowel; keep the second vowel less prominent but clear as /oʊ/ or /ɒ/ depending on accent. A unique nuance is the final /z/ must be voiced and not devoiced in rapid speech; practice with a short, controlled voicing, then blend with the preceding vowel. This helps avoid the common mistake of ending with a hissy /s/.
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Pesos derives from the Spanish word peso meaning ‘weight’ or ‘load,’ historically used for a unit of currency in Spain and its colonies. The long-standing monetary term began in the 16th century, associated with the peso de ocho (pieces of eight) widely used in the Spanish Americas. In many Latin American nations, the currency name peso persisted as their primary unit, adapting to local languages and government changes. The term entered English via trade, travel, and journalism, especially as U.S. interests and migration increased exposure to peso-denominated economies. Over time, the plural form pesos became the standard English usage to refer to multiple currency units in these contexts. First known English usage dates to colonial and post-colonial trade periods, with 19th- and 20th-century references in travelogues and financial reporting confirming its established role in international economics.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Pesos" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Pesos"
-cos sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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