How to Pronounce Raúl Castro

Meaning and Context

Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz, born on June 3, 1931, is a pivotal Cuban revolutionary and political leader who served as the President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers from 2008 to 2018, succeeding his brother Fidel Castro. A foundational figure in the 26th of July Movement, Raúl Castro's leadership was instrumental in the success of the Cuban Revolution that culminated in 1959, establishing a socialist state. As the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from 2011 to 2021, he oversaw a period of significant, though gradual, economic reforms known as the actualización del modelo económico (updating of the economic model), which cautiously introduced market mechanisms while maintaining the country's socialist framework. His tenure is also marked by the historic diplomatic thaw with the United States, initiated in December 2014, which began to normalize relations between the two long-time adversaries. As a key architect of modern Cuba and a central figure in the Cuban Communist Party, his legacy is inextricably linked to the nation's post-revolutionary governance, Cold War history, and ongoing political evolution.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Raúl Castro, which includes the acute accent over the 'u' in his first name. Common misspellings and typographical errors often arise from omitting this diacritical mark, resulting in "Raul Castro." In English-language contexts, the accent is sometimes incorrectly placed, as in "Rául Castro." Another frequent error involves his full name; while "Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz" is accurate, he is universally recognized by the shorter form. Confusion with his brother's name also leads to the erroneous "Fidel Raúl Castro" or simply mixing up the two figures entirely. When writing, it is important to use the correct Spanish orthography to maintain accuracy, especially in formal or historical contexts.

Example Sentences

Following Fidel Castro's illness, Raúl Castro assumed the presidency in 2008, guiding Cuba through a period of cautious economic liberalization.

Historians note that Raúl Castro's pragmatic approach to governance contrasted in style with his brother's more ideological pronouncements.

The landmark decision to restore diplomatic ties with the United States was jointly announced by President Barack Obama and Raúl Castro in 2014.

Even after stepping down as president in 2018, Raúl Castro remained a powerful figure as the First Secretary of the Communist Party until 2021.

His memoirs provide a detailed account of his experiences during the revolutionary war in the Sierra Maestra mountains.

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