Learn How to Pronounce Nenê | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Nenê

Quick Answer: In Brazilian Portuguese, the name Nenê is pronounced [neˈne].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Nenê, born Maybyner Rodney Hilário on September 13, 1982, in São Carlos, Brazil, is a former professional basketball player who carved out a significant 17-year NBA career primarily as a physical power forward and center. Drafted seventh overall by the New York Knicks in 2002 and immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets, Nenê became renowned for his formidable strength, efficient scoring in the paint, and defensive versatility. His most impactful seasons were with the Denver Nuggets and later the Washington Wizards, where his robust post presence and high-percentage finishing made him a consistent and valued starter. Beyond his NBA stats, Nenê is also celebrated for his resilience, having successfully returned to elite play after overcoming testicular cancer in 2008. His legacy extends to inspiring a generation of Brazilian basketball players, contributing to the international growth of the NBA and leaving a mark as one of the league's most dependable and physically imposing big men of his era.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling of the player's name is Nenê, utilizing the Portuguese accented "ê" to indicate the closed vowel sound. In contexts where diacritics are unavailable, it is often rendered as Nene without the accent, though this is considered a technical misspelling of his chosen playing name. A very common typo or error is the duplication of the final 'e', resulting in Nenée or Nenee, which is incorrect. Furthermore, his full legal name, Maybyner Rodney Hilário, is sometimes misspelled, with frequent errors including "Hilario" (missing the acute accent) or "Maybyner" being confused as "Maybiner." When searching for his career information, it is important to use the correct accented form for optimal SEO results, though search engines typically also return correct results for the unaccented version.

Example Sentences

During his peak with the Denver Nuggets, Nenê's ability to set crushing screens and finish at the rim was a cornerstone of their offensive sets.

Opposing coaches often had to game-plan specifically for Nenê's physicality in the post, knowing he could alter shots defensively.

After signing a lucrative contract with the Washington Wizards in 2012, he provided veteran leadership and a reliable inside presence for a young backcourt.

Fans remember Nenê not just for his powerful dunks, but for his courageous comeback following his cancer diagnosis.

Today, many analysts point to Nenê's career as an exemplar of efficient, high-percentage big man play in the modern NBA.

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