Learn How to Pronounce Óscar Arias | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Óscar Arias

Quick Answer: In Spanish, the name Óscar Arias is pronounced [ˈoskaɾ ˈaɾjas].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Óscar Arias Sánchez, born on September 13, 1940, is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a defining figure in Costa Rican political history, having served as President of Costa Rica for two non-consecutive terms from 1986 to 1990 and again from 2006 to 2010. A member of the National Liberation Party (PLN), Arias rose to international prominence as a central architect of the Esquipulas Peace Agreement, a pivotal diplomatic initiative that helped end the devastating civil wars plaguing Central America in the 1980s. For this foundational work in regional conflict resolution, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. His presidency was characterized by a strong commitment to demilitarization—Costa Rica constitutionally abolished its army in 1949—human development, and environmental stewardship, cementing the nation's reputation as a stable democracy and a global leader in peace and sustainability. His later term focused on advancing modern free trade agreements, such as the CAFTA-DR, and addressing contemporary social challenges, solidifying his legacy as a seminal Costa Rican statesman and a persistent advocate for diplomacy and human security.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling of the name is Óscar Arias, which includes the acute accent on the 'O'. The most common omission is dropping the accent, resulting in the incorrect Oscar Arias. While this unaccented version is frequently encountered in informal English-language contexts and may be accepted by some style guides, the accented form is proper and reflects the Spanish origin of the name. His full name includes his maternal surname, making it Óscar Arias Sánchez; however, he is universally referred to publicly by the shorter form. Common misspellings and typographical errors include "Oscar Arais" (transposing the 'i' and 'a'), "Óscar Aria" (dropping the 's'), and "Oskar Arias" (using a 'k'). When searching for information, using both the accented and unaccented forms is advisable for comprehensive SEO and research results.

Example Sentences

The diplomatic efforts of Óscar Arias were instrumental in bringing warring factions to the table, culminating in the historic Esquipulas II Accord.

During his first administration, President Arias championed a peace plan that ultimately earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Scholars of Central American history often cite Arias's philosophy of active neutrality as a key factor in the region's stabilization.

In a 2009 address, Arias argued that national resources spent on armaments would be better invested in healthcare and education.

His legacy as a peacemaker continues to influence Costa Rican foreign policy to this day.

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