Learn How to Pronounce Pécs | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Pécs

Quick Answer: In Hungarian, the name Pécs is pronounced [peːt͡ʃ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Pécs is a historic city located in southern Hungary, at the foot of the Mecsek mountains, renowned as a major cultural and educational hub. Founded by the Romans over two millennia ago as Sopianae, its legacy is profoundly visible in the Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring remarkably preserved underground burial chambers with intricate frescoes. The city's architecture is a captivating mosaic, blending Roman ruins, Turkish-era mosques like the Gazi Kasim Pasha Mosque, and elegant Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings. As a former European Capital of Culture in 2010, Pécs maintains a vibrant arts scene, hosting major events like the Pécs National Theatre Festival and boasting prestigious institutions such as the University of Pécs, founded in 1367, one of the oldest in Europe. Its unique charm, Mediterranean atmosphere, and status as a center for Hungarian tourism make it an essential destination in the Baranya county region, offering visitors a deep dive into Central European history, from ancient times through the Ottoman occupation to the modern day.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling is Pécs, which includes the acute accent on the 'é'. This accent is crucial for correct Hungarian pronunciation, rendering the name akin to "Paych" in English. Common misspellings and typographical errors often arise from omitting the diacritical mark, resulting in the incorrect form Pecs. In some older English-language contexts or due to technical limitations, the accent may be omitted, but "Pécs" is the standard. Another frequent error is the confusion with similar-sounding place names, leading to misspellings like Pec or Petch. When using the city's historical Roman name, it is correctly spelled Sopianae. Travelers and writers should be mindful to include the accent to ensure accuracy, especially in formal or academic writing about Hungarian culture and heritage.

Example Sentences

Exploring the Early Christian Necropolis is a highlight for any visitor to Pécs, offering a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into 4th-century burial art.

The city's vibrant cultural calendar peaks during the summer, when the Pécs International Dance Festival transforms its squares and theatres.

Many students are drawn to the University of Pécs for its wide range of English-taught programs and the city's lively, youthful atmosphere.

After admiring the Ottoman architecture at the Gazi Kasim Pasha Mosque, we enjoyed a coffee in the bustling Széchenyi Square.

Due to its rich history as Roman Sopianae and later an Ottoman administrative center, Pécs possesses a uniquely layered identity not found elsewhere in Hungary.

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