Learn How to Pronounce Žilina | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Žilina
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Žilina, a major city and administrative center of northwestern Slovakia, stands as a historic and economic hub at the confluence of the Váh, Kysuca, and Rajčanka rivers. Founded on a medieval Slavic settlement and granted royal town privileges in the early 14th century, its well-preserved core, Mariánske námestie (Marian Square), is a defining feature, surrounded by arcaded burgher houses and dominated by the Burian’s Tower. A key attraction is the Budatín Castle, renowned for its unique museum dedicated to the art of tinker wirecraft. The city serves as a primary gateway for tourism and hiking in the nearby Malá Fatra National Park and the Strážov Mountains, while also being an important industrial and educational center, home to the University of Žilina. Its strategic position along major transport corridors has solidified its role as a vital transport junction in Slovakia.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling is Žilina, which includes the diacritical mark (háček) over the 'Z', producing the sound "Zh". In contexts where diacritics are unavailable, the accepted transliteration is Zilina. Common misspellings and errors arise from omitting or misplacing the diacritic, resulting in forms like Zilina (which is technically the correct ASCII fallback but lacks the proper character) or Zilina. Another frequent error, particularly for non-native speakers, is the confusion with similar-sounding Slavic names, leading to typos such as Zilinia, Zhilina, or Zilena. When using the Slovak adjective form, it becomes žilinský (masculine), as in Žilinský samosprávny kraj (Žilina Self-Governing Region).
Example Sentences
During our trip to Slovakia, we spent a delightful afternoon exploring the Baroque and Renaissance architecture in the Old Town of Žilina.
Many visitors use Žilina as a convenient base camp before embarking on strenuous hikes in the Malá Fatra range.
The unique collection of wrought-iron artifacts at Budatín Castle provides a deep dive into the region's artisanal history.
A significant industrial investment by a global automaker has bolstered the manufacturing sector in and around Žilina.
To reach the picturesque Terchová valley, you typically take a bus or drive north from the main railway station in Žilina.
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