How to Pronounce Recife

Meaning and Context

Recife, the vibrant capital of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, stands as a major cultural and economic hub of the Northeast Region. Founded in 1537, it is one of Brazil's oldest cities, renowned for its intricate network of rivers, bridges, and islands that have earned it the moniker "the Brazilian Venice." The city's rich history is palpable in the UNESCO-listed historic center of Recife Antigo, where Portuguese colonial architecture sits alongside Dutch colonial influences, a legacy of its brief period under Dutch rule in the 17th century. Beyond its historic architecture, Recife is globally celebrated for its dynamic Carnival celebrations, which feature the distinctive frevo music and dance, and for its stunning urban beaches like Boa Viagem. As a key destination for tourism in Brazil, it offers a compelling blend of cultural heritage, coastal beauty, and a thriving gastronomic scene centered on fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling "Recife" is standard in both Portuguese and English. Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic misinterpretations or keyboard errors. These include "Recifee" (adding an extra 'e'), "Resife" (substituting 'c' for 's'), and "Recif" (dropping the final 'e'). In some historical or less common contexts, one might encounter "Reciffo," an archaic Portuguese form, but this is not used in modern writing. It is also important to note the proper use of diacritics in related terms; for instance, the demonym for a person from Recife is "recifense" (lowercase, without an accent). Confusing "Recife" with the nearby historic city of "Olinda," a separate municipality, is a frequent conceptual error, though they form a contiguous metropolitan area.

Example Sentences

Many visitors begin their exploration of Recife in the Recife Antigo neighborhood, admiring the colorful colonial buildings and the iconic Marco Zero square.

The city's Carnival is distinct from Rio's, with giant puppets and the acrobatic sounds of frevo echoing through the streets.

For a relaxing afternoon, locals and tourists alike flock to the expansive shoreline of Boa Viagem beach, though they heed warnings about swimming beyond the protective reef.

The confluence of the Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers gives Recife its unique geography, best appreciated from one of its many picturesque bridges.

A trip to the Pernambuco region is incomplete without sampling a bowl of caldinho de feijão at a waterfront bar in Recife.

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