How to Pronounce San José

Meaning and Context

San José, the vibrant capital and largest city of Costa Rica, was officially designated the national capital in 1823, following the country's independence. Nestled within the fertile Central Valley, the city serves as the undisputed political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. Visitors are drawn to its rich tapestry of museums, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the National Museum of Costa Rica, housed in a former fortress, which narrate the country's complex history. As a primary gateway for tourism, San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport is a central hub for travelers embarking on adventures to Costa Rica's renowned rainforests, volcanoes, and Pacific and Caribbean beaches. The city's urban landscape is punctuated by essential plazas like Plaza de la Cultura and green escapes such as La Sabana Metropolitan Park, offering a blend of urban energy and pura vida tranquility that defines the Costa Rican experience.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The most common point of confusion regarding the name "San José" is the use of the acute accent on the 'e' (José). Omitting this accent, resulting in "San Jose," is a frequent error in English-language texts, though it is sometimes accepted in informal contexts or specific place names (like San Jose, California). The Spanish spelling with the accent is the correct and formal form for the Costa Rican capital. Another occasional typo involves the use of a tilde on the 'n' (as in "San José"), which is incorrect; the word "San" does not carry an accent mark. Furthermore, the city's name is sometimes mistakenly written as a single word ("SanJosé") or hyphenated. In Spanish, it is properly written as two separate words: "San José."

Example Sentences

Many travelers begin their exploration of Costa Rica by spending a day or two in San José, visiting its historic National Theater and sampling local coffee.

The bustling Central Market in San José offers an authentic immersion into Tico culture, from handmade crafts to traditional casados.

While San José itself is a major metropolitan center, it provides convenient access to day trips to the Poás Volcano and coffee plantations in the surrounding hills.

Understanding the city's layout is easier when you use landmarks like the distinctive Los Presentes sculpture at Plaza de la Democracia.

For a deeper appreciation of pre-Columbian history, the Gold Museum in San José houses one of the most extensive collections in Latin America.

Related Pronunciations

• How to pronounce Pará
• How to pronounce Yopal
• How to pronounce Rivera (city)
• How to pronounce Leticia (city)
• How to pronounce Cartagena de Indias