3 syllables: U, ru, guay. Stress on U.
YUR-uh-gway
/ˈjɝəˌɡweɪ/
Uruguay is pronounced YUR-uh-gway (/ˈjɝəˌɡweɪ/). It has three syllables (U-ru-guay), with the stress on "U". Uruguay is a South American nation bordered by Brazil and Argentina, known for its stable democracy and long Atlantic coastline. The term refers to the country itself, its people, language, and culture, and is used in geopolitical, travel, and cultural contexts. As a proper noun, it is typically capitalized and used with region- or country-specific references.
nounUruguay is a South American nation bordered by Brazil and Argentina, known for its stable democracy and long Atlantic coastline. The term refers to the country itself, its people, language, and culture, and is used in geopolitical, travel, and cultural contexts. As a proper noun, it is typically capitalized and used with region- or country-specific references.
How to Pronounce Uruguay
"We spent two weeks in Uruguay exploring Montevideo, Colonia, and the coastal towns."
"Uruguay's economy benefits from cattle farming, agriculture, and a growing tech sector."
"The Uruguayan pronunciation of Uruguay can sound quite different to non-native listeners."
Pronounce as /juːˈɹaɡwaɪ/ (US) or /juːˈræɡwaɪ/ (UK/others). Stress falls on the second syllable: u-ru-GUY. Start with a 'you' sound, then a rolled or tapped 'r' depending on speaker, followed by /aɡ/ and a strong /waɪ/ 'why' ending. If you hear Spanish-influenced speech, the /ɡ/ may be softened, but in careful English, keep the hard /ɡ/ and the final /aɪ/ as in 'guy'. Audio references: you can compare with online pronunciation dictionaries and Forvo entries for Uruguayo and Uruguay.
Common mistakes: (1) placing stress on the first or last syllable instead of the second; (2) mispronouncing the /ɡ/ as a soft /ʒ/ or /dʒ/; (3) flattening the final /aɪ/ into an /i/ or /ɪ/. Correction: emphasize the middle syllable with /ɡ/ clearly and finish with /waɪ/. Practice the sequence u-ru-GUY with a brief pause before the final stressed syllable. Listen to native speakers and imitate the diphthongal end: /waɪ/ as in 'why', not 'wee'.
In US English, /juːˈɹaɡwaɪ/ with rhotic /ɹ/ and a clear /ˈɡwaɪ/ ending. UK English often uses /juːˈræɡwaɪ/ with a shorter /æ/ in the second syllable and a less pronounced rhoticity in careful speech. Australian speakers typically align with US patterns but may soften the /ɹ/ to a tapped trill in some regional variants; final /waɪ/ remains strong. Forvo and YouGlish show regional variations; aim for /juːˈræɡwaɪ/ (UK) and /juːˈɹaɡwaɪ/ (US) as your baseline.
Three main challenges: the middle /ɡ/ cluster with /w/ preceding is quick and can blur; the final /waɪ/ diphthong blends quickly and may become /aɪ/ or /aɪ̯/ in fast speech; plus non-native speakers may mis-accent the second syllable with a lax vowel. To master, practice the sequence u-ru-GUY slowly, then increase speed while keeping the mouth positions stable. Focus on the transition from /ɡ/ to /w/ to /aɪ/.
Uruguay often prompts non-native speakers to misplace the stress; English speakers usually stress the final syllable, but Uruguay uses secondary stress on the second syllable with a strong final /waɪ/. Additionally, the /ɹ/ in US accents is rhotic, whereas in some non-rhotic accents, the /ɹ/ surface can be very subtle. Listen for the /waɪ/ ending, which should sound like 'why' rather than 'wee'.
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Uruguay derives from the Guarani and Tupi-Guarani languages, spoken by Indigenous peoples in the Río de la Plata basin. The name is often linked to “Iki-wai” or “our water,” but the most accepted form notes a colonial-era designation tied to La Banda Oriental (the Eastern Bank) of the Uruguay River. The river’s own name predates modern borders, and early European maps rendered it as Uruguai or Uruguaɪ, reflecting Portuguese and Spanish transcription practices. By the 18th century, the country was commonly referred to as Uruguay in both Spanish and Portuguese texts. The term became the standard demonym for Uruguayans as the modern nation-state formed in the 19th century through independence movements and treaty negotiations. Over time, the word has retained its geographic reference while becoming a symbol of national identity, language, and culture across Latin America and beyond.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Uruguay" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Uruguay" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Uruguay"
-ary sounds
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