Learn How to Pronounce Tenerife | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Tenerife

Quick Answer: In Spanish, the name Tenerife is pronounced [teneˈɾife], while in English, it is pronounced [ˌtɛnəˈriːf].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Tenerife, the largest and most populous of Spain's Canary Islands, is a volcanic marvel situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Renowned for its dramatic and diverse landscapes, the island is dominated by Mount Teide, a stratovolcano that is not only Spain's highest peak but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third-tallest volcanic structure on Earth. This geographical diversity creates distinct microclimates, allowing visitors to experience everything from the lush laurel forests of the Anaga Rural Park to the arid, Martian-like terrain of Teide National Park and the renowned black sand beaches of Playa Jardín. As a premier holiday destination, Tenerife offers a compelling blend of natural wonders, vibrant resorts like Playa de las Américas, rich cultural events such as the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, and exceptional opportunities for stargazing due to its clear skies. Its unique ecosystem, including the iconic dragon tree, and its status as a year-round destination for sun, hiking, and gastronomy solidify its global appeal.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Tenerife. Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic interpretations or confusion with similar-sounding words. Frequent errors include "Teneriffe" (adding an extra 'f'), "Tennerife" (doubling the 'n'), and "Tenerif" (dropping the final 'e'). Some may incorrectly combine it with "island" as a single word, like "Tenerifeisland." In non-English contexts, particularly in Spanish, the name is identical, though it is sometimes preceded by the definite article "La" (as in "la isla de Tenerife"). It is also important to distinguish it from the other Canary Islands, as sometimes the names Gran Canaria and Tenerife can be conflated by those unfamiliar with the archipelago.

Example Sentences

Many astronomers consider the skies above Tenerife to be among the clearest in the Northern Hemisphere, making the Teide Observatory a world-class facility.

After a morning hiking through the otherworldly landscape of Teide National Park, we spent the afternoon relaxing on the volcanic black sands of Playa de la Arena.

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, a riot of color and music each February, is often described as second in size only to Rio de Janeiro's.

To truly appreciate the island's ecological diversity, one must contrast the arid southern coast with the humid, misty laurel forests of the Anaga Mountains.

Direct flights from major European cities to Tenerife South Airport have made the island an accessible and perennial favorite for winter sun seekers.

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