Learning a new language is exciting, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Portuguese speakers in particular have difficulty pronouncing a specific set of words in English due to the phonetic differences between the two languages.
In this article, we'll explore the 25 most difficult English words for Portuguese speakers, address why these challenges exist, and provide useful tips to improve English pronunciation with the correct mouth and tongue positioning.
1. Thorough Definition: done completely, with great attention to detail.
Portuguese speakers often replace the "th" sound with "s" or "z" because the “th” sound that is present in many English words does not exist in Portuguese. As a result, Portuguese speakers might pronounce the word ‘thorough’ as ‘sorough’ or ‘zorough’ instead.
To pronounce the “th” sound in “thorough,” place the tip of your tongue between your upper and lower teeth while gently blowing air.
2. Ignorance /ˈɪɡ.nɚ.əns/ Definition: lack of knowledge or awareness.
The consonant combination “gn” in the word “ignorance” is not found in Portuguese, so Portuguese speakers might forgo pronouncing this consonant combination and replace it with an easier sound.
To pronounce the “gn” sound, position your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth, and while keeping your tongue in that position, release the back of your tongue.
3. Entrepreneur /ˌɑn.tɹə.pɹəˈnɝ/ Definition: a person who starts and runs a business.
The main challenge for Portuguese speakers when pronouncing the word "entrepreneur" is the complex combination of consonants and the stress on syllables. The "entre" part and the final "-neur" can be tricky due to the "r" sound, which is pronounced differently in Portuguese.
The key to mastering the pronunciation of "entrepreneur" is practicing the distinct sounds within the word and paying attention to syllable stress.
The “entre” part is particularly challenging for Portuguese speakers, so emphasizing that part of the word and practicing it repeatedly will be helpful for achieving accurate pronunciation. When pronouncing the initial “ahn” sound make sure to open your mouth slightly and then place your tongue against the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth to pronounce the “truh” sound.
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4. Office /ˈɑː.fɪs/
Definition: a room or place where administrative or professional work is conducted.
The word “office” is challenging for Portuguese speakers for several reasons. Firstly, it contains vowel sounds such as “aw” and unvoiced consonant sounds such as “f,” both of which don’t exist in Portuguese pronunciation.
Secondly, the first syllable is stressed (OFF-ice), which is not familiar for Portuguese speakers given that English words have variable syllable stress while Portuguese stress patterns are more consistent, typically falling on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable.
To pronounce the word, position your tongue in the middle of your mouth, and open your mouth to create the "o" sound. It should sound like "aw." Next, move your tongue to the front of your mouth to form the "f" sound. Keep your lips lightly touching for the "f" sound. Finish with the "iss" sound in the final, unstressed syllable.
5. Comfortable /ˈkʌm.fɚ.t̬ə.bəl/
For Portuguese speakers, the word "comfortable" presents a challenge due to the complex vowel sounds and syllable stress .
The pronunciation can vary depending on the accent, but in American English, the word is often pronounced in a shortened form, with only three syllables instead of the four that might seem logical from the spelling (it sometimes sounds more like "KUHMF-ter-bul" rather than "KUHM-fur-tuh-bul," though both are accepted pronunciations).
Portuguese speakers might struggle with the “r” and “t” sounds because the Portuguese "r" is tapped or rolled, while in English, it is pronounced more softly. Additionally, the English "t" in "comfortable" is often a flap sound (similar to a quick "d"), which is not found in Portuguese.
Take a look at accent coach Eliza from BoldVoice explaining the pronunciation of this word in detail:
VIDEO
6. Psychology /saɪˈkɑː.lə.dʒi/
Definition: the scientific study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes.
The main difficulty in the word "psychology" is related to the combination of consonants and the complicated spelling. The "psy" and "cho" clusters can be particularly challenging for Portuguese speakers since there aren’t many consonant clusters in Portuguese.
In the word "psychology," the "ps" cluster is pronounced as an "s" (the "p" is silent) and the "ch" is pronounced as a "k" (as in "keep," rather than "cheap").
7. Library /ˈlaɪ.brer.i/
Definition: a place that stores books and information.
The word "library" can be challenging for Portuguese speakers due to the placement of stress on the first syllable, which differs from typical Portuguese stress patterns. The "br" consonant cluster is also not common in Portuguese, so Portuguese speakers may have a hard time pronouncing the sound.
To practice pronouncing the word, break it into syllables and emphasize the first syllable of the word.
8. Staple /ˈsteɪ.pəl/ Definition: a thin, pointed piece of wire with two outward-facing ends used to fasten sheets of paper together.
The main pronunciation challenge in the word "staple" for non-native speakers is the final "pl" sound, which is a complex consonant cluster for many Portuguese speakers. Since consonant clusters don’t exist in Portuguese, many Portuguese speakers may pronounce the “pl” sound literally, as in PLUH instead of PUHL.
To accurately pronounce the "p" sound, close your lips and then release them quickly to create a burst of air. Keep your tongue against the back of your upper front teeth to produce the "l" sound and make sure to let air pass over the sides of your tongue.
9. Burger /ˈbɝː.ɡɚ/
Definition: a food item consisting of a cooked ground meat patty, typically made from beef, and served inside a bun, often with various toppings and condiments.
The main pronunciation challenge in the word "burger" for Portuguese speakers is the "uhr" sound.
The American "r" is pronounced with a distinctive sound while Portuguese typically uses a tapped "r," which is softer and less pronounced. The "r" sound in "burger" can be challenging for Portuguese speakers who are not used to the English "r."
10. Match /mætʃ/ Definition: to be equal to (something) in quality or strength.
The main challenge for Portuguese speakers in pronouncing "match" is the combination of the "m" and "ch" sounds. Additionally, the short "a" sound in the first syllable is unfamiliar for Portuguese speakers because it is pronounced differently from the corresponding Portuguese vowel sound.
To improve pronunciation of "match," Portuguese speakers should practice the "m" and "ch" sounds together, pay attention to the short "a" sound, and practice pronouncing the word slowly and clearly.
To perfect the vowel sound, practice with minimal pair words like "catch," "batch," and "hatch."
11. Regular /ˈreɡ.jə.lɚ/ Definition: consistent or normal.
Many Portuguese speakers mispronounce the word as “re-goo-lar” because the "re" followed by the "gu" sound at the beginning of "regular" is not typically found in Portuguese words.
To pronounce the “gyuh” sound, open your mouth slightly and make a burst of sound by releasing the back of your tongue to create the "g" sound and round your lips slightly as you transition to the "yuh" sound.
12. Technology /tekˈnɑː.lə.dʒi/ Definition: the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
The combination of consonants in "technology" can be challenging for Portuguese speakers as Portuguese generally avoids complex consonant clusters like "ch" and “gy.”
To pronounce the word, break it into smaller syllables and practice each part separately before putting it all together.
13. Specific /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ Definition: clearly defined or identified.
The combination of consonants and vowels in "specific" may not be typical in Portuguese, leading to pronunciation difficulties.
Portuguese speakers may find it especially challenging to produce the "sp" consonant cluster at the beginning of "specific” because there is no equivalent cluster in Portuguese.
14. Notice /ˈnoʊ.t̬ɪs/ Definition: the fact of observing or paying attention to something.
Portuguese has a more limited set of vowel sounds compared to American English , so the English "o" and "i" vowel sounds can be challenging to replicate accurately.
The word “notice” also includes a flap "t" sound which is not present in Portuguese, making it challenging for native Portuguese speakers to mimic.
15. Right /raɪt/ Definition: true or correct as a fact.
The English vowel sound in "right" is different from many Portuguese vowel sounds. The English "ai" diphthong in "right" does not exist in Portuguese, and this difference in vowel pronunciation can be a source of difficulty.
16. Developed /dɪˈvel.əpt/ Definition: advanced to a specified degree.
The way that words are altered in English to represent past tense is different than in Portuguese. As a result, the ending sound “ed” at the end of many English words can be difficult for Portuguese speakers to pronounce.
17. Necessary /ˈnes.ə.ser.i/ Definition: required or essential.
Portuguese has a more limited set of vowel sounds, and the English "e" and "a" sounds can be challenging to replicate accurately.
To refine pronunciation of this word, be sure to practice each vowel sound in isolation before pronouncing the word together.
18. Environment /ɪnˈvaɪ.rə.mənt/ Definition: the surroundings in which people, animals, and plants live.
The word “environment” can be complicated for native Portuguese speakers to pronounce because of its various consonant and vowel combinations. The “ron” sound is especially challenging since the Portuguese “r” sound is pronounced very differently from the English “r” sound.
Watch as BoldVoice Coach Eliza demonstrates how to pronounce this tricky American "r" sound:
VIDEO
19. Innovation [in-uh-vay-shuhn]
Definition: Introducing new ideas or methods.
Similar to the word environment, the word innovation also encompasses a variety of consonant and vowel combinations that don’t exist in Portuguese, thus making it hard for native Portuguese speakers to pronounce the words accurately.
To refine pronunciation of the word, break it into syllables and pronounce each syllable separately before putting it all together.
20. Sincerely /sɪnˈsɪr.li/ Definition: in a genuine or honest manner.
In Portuguese, the "s" sound is often pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, while in English, it is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant. This difference in the "s" sound can make it tricky for Portuguese speakers to pronounce words like "sincerely."
Portuguese also has a unique "r" sound, typically a guttural or uvular sound. English, on the other hand, often uses an alveolar or post-alveolar approximant sound for "r." Many Portuguese speakers commonly mispronounce the word as “sin-cer-lee” instead of “sin-seer-lee” given the consonant and vowel combinations that are not present in Portuguese.
21. Vulnerable /ˈvʌl.nɚ.ə.bəl/ Definition: susceptible to harm or attack.
The initial "v" sound in "vulnerable" is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative in English, which means it is articulated with the bottom lip against the upper teeth. In Portuguese, there is no equivalent sound, so this sound can be challenging for Portuguese speakers to produce accurately. The correct pronunciation is demonstrated here:
The stress in "vulnerable" also falls on the first syllable, which is different from the typical Portuguese stress pattern, where stress often falls on the second last syllable of words.
22. Parallel /ˈper.ə.lel/
Definition: side by side and equal in distance.
While the "p," "l," and "r" sounds present in the word “parallel” do exist in Portuguese, however the mouth and tongue position for these sounds differ from how they are in English.
As a result, native Portuguese speakers may have a hard time adjusting to the way these sounds are pronounced in English.
23. Character /ˈker.ək.tɚ/ Definition: a person's qualities and attributes.
The word "character" begins with the consonant cluster "ch," which is not common in Portuguese. Portuguese typically avoids consonant clusters at the beginning of words, so dealing with "ch" can be difficult for Portuguese speakers.
Note that in "character" the "ch" is pronounced as a "k" sound rather than "ch" in words like "chair."
24. Unique /juːˈniːk/ Definition: one of a kind, not like anything else.
In Portuguese, the "u" sound is typically pronounced more like the English "oo" sound in words like "food." The English "u" sound in "unique" is different, so Portuguese speakers may find it challenging to pronounce accurately. Pronounce the "u" in "unique" like the sound in the word "you,” where you position your tongue in the high front part of your mouth with your lips slightly rounded.
To perfect your pronunciation of the word "unique," practice by repeating the tongue twiste r "unique, New York." It's trickier than it seems!
25. Sixth /sɪksθ/ Definition: number six in a sequence.
Since the voiced or voiceless "th" sound doesn't exist in Portuguese pronunciation, native Portuguese speakers may stumble with the word "sixth." It's made even more difficult thanks to the preceding "x," resulting in the complicated and unfamiliar consonant cluster "xth."
Practice the "x" sound and the voiceless "th" sound separately before bringing them together and practicing the word as a whole.
Here's BoldVoice Coach Eliza explaining this difficult word in detail:
VIDEO
Improve Your English Pronunciation with BoldVoice Learning English pronunciation as a Portuguese speaker may come with its unique challenges, but with focused practice and the right guidance, these hurdles can be overcome.
From mastering tricky consonant clusters to perfecting syllable stress , each word you conquer brings you closer to clear, confident communication.
If you're ready to take your pronunciation to the next level, BoldVoice is here to help. With personalized lessons from expert coaches, you’ll find yourself speaking with ease in no time.
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