Learn How to Pronounce Cancún | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Cancún
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Cancún is a world-renowned coastal city on the northeastern tip of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. Founded as a planned tourism development in 1970, it has since transformed into one of the planet's premier vacation destinations, synonymous with idyllic Caribbean getaways. The city is geographically defined by its unique "7"-shaped Hotel Zone, a 14-mile long sandbar separating the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea from the tranquil Nichupté Lagoon. Beyond its famous white-sand beaches and luxury all-inclusive resorts, Cancún serves as the primary gateway to the Riviera Maya and is a launch point for exploring ancient Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá and Tulum, as well as the breathtaking natural aquariums of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Its vibrant economy is fueled by tourism, offering visitors a dynamic blend of high-energy nightlife, world-class shopping, gourmet dining, and extensive ecotourism opportunities in nearby cenotes and biosphere reserves.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct spelling is Cancún, with an accent on the final 'u' to indicate proper stress. Common misspellings and variations arise from omitting this accent, leading to Cancun, which is widely used in informal English writing and search queries but is technically incorrect in Spanish. Other frequent errors include misspellings like Canun, Cancum, or Cuncun, often resulting from phonetic guesses. The name is sometimes incorrectly combined with its broader region, as in "Cancún, Riviera Maya," but it is important to note that Cancún is a specific city, while the Riviera Maya is the coastal tourism corridor to its south. In historical contexts, the area's original Mayan name is cited as Kaan kun (nest of snakes), but the modern Spanish spelling is universally accepted for contemporary reference.
Example Sentences
After comparing several flight deals, we decided that a vacation to Cancún offered the best combination of relaxation and adventure.
Our first morning in Cancún began with a stroll along the powdery beach before a boat tour to the reef for snorkeling.
While many visitors come for the resorts, a day trip from Cancún to the archaeological site of Tulum provides a profound connection to the region's ancient history.
The conference organizers chose Cancún for its excellent international airport and extensive hotel infrastructure.
To truly appreciate the Yucatán's natural beauty, we rented a car and drove from Cancún to explore several hidden cenotes inland.
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