Learn How to Pronounce Guantánamo | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Guantánamo

Quick Answer: In Spanish, the name Guantánamo is pronounced [ɡwanˈtanamo], and in English it is /ɡwɑːnˈtɑːnəmoʊ/.
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Guantánamo is a vibrant provincial capital city located in the southeastern corner of Cuba, renowned for its unique cultural tapestry that blends Haitian, French, and Spanish influences. Founded in the early 19th century, the city serves as the gateway to the arid landscapes of the Guantánamo Province and is celebrated for its dynamic music scene, particularly the traditional tumba francesa and the annual Guantánamo Song Festival. While the city itself is a hub for Cuban culture and Caribbean tourism, its name is internationally recognized due to the nearby U.S. Naval Base Guantánamo Bay, a contentious military installation established by a 1903 lease agreement. This duality makes Guantánamo a point of interest for travelers seeking authentic Cuban experiences beyond Havana, as well as for those studying modern geopolitical history. Key attractions include the Museo Provincial for local history and the picturesque Baracoa region, accessible via the stunning La Farola mountain road.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling is Guantánamo, which includes the accented "á" in Spanish. Common misspellings and variations arise from omitting the accent, leading to Guantanamo, which is the most frequent error in English-language texts. Other frequent typos include Guantánamo (incorrectly placing the accent on the 'n'), Guantánamo (doubling the 'n'), and Guanatanamo (transposing the 't' and 'n'). In some informal contexts or due to autocorrect, one might see Guantanamo Bay spelled as Guantanamo Bay. It is important to note that while "Guantánamo" refers to the Cuban city and province, "Guantánamo Bay" specifically denotes the bay and the U.S. naval station. The accent is crucial for proper Spanish pronunciation, emphasizing the second syllable: gwan-TAH-nah-mo.

Example Sentences

Travelers often visit Guantánamo to experience the pulsating rhythms of the tumba francesa performed during the city's lively festivals.

The complex history of the region is encapsulated by the enduring presence of the U.

S.

Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, a site of ongoing diplomatic dispute.

To reach the pristine beaches near Baracoa, one must drive from Guantánamo along the winding La Farola highway.

Many journalists and human rights advocates have focused international attention on the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay rather than the cultural riches of the adjacent Cuban city.

The province of Guantánamo is also known for its unique biosphere reserve, which contrasts sharply with the arid landscape surrounding the capital city.

Related Pronunciations

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