How to Pronounce Brasília

Meaning and Context

Brasília, the federal capital of Brazil, was inaugurated on April 21, 1960, as a monumental project to shift the nation's political center from the coastal Rio de Janeiro to the interior of the Brazilian Highlands. Designed by urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, the city is a masterpiece of modernist architecture and innovative urban planning, famously laid out in the shape of an airplane or a bird in flight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its sweeping superblocks, monumental axis, and iconic structures like the Cathedral of Brasília and the National Congress building, which house the country's key government institutions. As the seat of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, Brasília is not only a political hub but also a living museum of 20th-century design, attracting visitors interested in its cultural heritage, urbanism, and its role as the administrative heart of Brazil.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Brasília, with an acute accent on the 'i'. Common misspellings and variations often arise from omitting the accent or using alternative letters. Frequent errors include "Brasilia" (the most common typo, dropping the diacritical mark), "Brazilia," and "Brasillia." In Portuguese, the acute accent is crucial as it indicates the stressed syllable and differentiates the city's name from the country's name, "Brasil." In English-language texts, the accented form is preferred for accuracy, though the unaccented version is sometimes seen informally. Another less common error is the misspelling "Brasilía," with an incorrect accent placement.

Example Sentences

Tourists are often awestruck by the futuristic skyline of Brasília, dominated by Oscar Niemeyer's sculptural concrete buildings.

The city's unique urban planning, with its clearly defined sectors for hotels, banking, and embassies, makes navigation surprisingly intuitive.

A pivotal moment in Brazilian history was the decision to construct Brasília from scratch in the country's central-west region.

Critics of the design sometimes argue that while Brasília is an architectural marvel, its vast open spaces can feel impersonal to residents.

The Presidential Palace, known as the Palácio do Planalto, is one of the most important government institutions located on the Monumental Axis.

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