Learn How to Pronounce Santo Domingo | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Santo Domingo
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Santo Domingo, officially known as Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, serving as the cultural, financial, and political heart of the nation. Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, a fact that earns it the moniker "the first city of the New World." This rich history is palpably preserved in the Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial), a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with colonial architecture such as the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas. As a premier Caribbean travel destination, the city offers a dynamic blend of historic landmarks like the Alcázar de Colón and the Malecón waterfront, alongside a thriving cultural scene of merengue music, gastronomy, and bustling markets. Its status as a major port city and economic hub makes it central to the Dominican Republic's tourism industry and a gateway for exploring the island's diverse attractions.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling, Santo Domingo, is universally accepted in English and Spanish. A common historical variant, Saint-Domingue, refers not to the city but to the French colonial name for the entire island of Hispaniola (present-day Haiti), which can cause confusion. Frequent misspellings and typos include "Santodomingo" (running the words together), "Santo Dominigo" (swapping the 'n' and 'm'), "Santo Domingo" (adding an extraneous 'o'), and "St. Domingo" (using the English abbreviation). In informal online contexts, abbreviations like "S.D." or "SDQ" (its IATA airport code) are sometimes used. It is also important to note the correct accentuation in Spanish for the related demonym: a person from Santo Domingo is a Santo Domingueño (male) or Santo Domingueña (female), often shortened to Domingueño/a.
Example Sentences
No visit to the Dominican Republic is complete without exploring the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone.
As the first European city in the Americas, Santo Domingo offers an unparalleled journey through five centuries of history.
Many cruise ship itineraries feature Santo Domingo as a key port of call, allowing passengers a day to experience its vibrant culture.
The Gastronomic Fair on the Malecón showcases why Santo Domingo is considered a culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Researchers often consult the archival documents at the General Archive of the Indies in Santo Domingo for primary sources on early colonial history.
The city's economic policies and modern infrastructure continue to make Santo Domingo the dominant financial center of the nation.
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