Chichén Itzá
/t͡ʃit͡ʃen itθa/from spelling rules
To say Chichen Itza in Spanish, write Chichén Itzá, the ancient Mayan city and archaeological site in Mexico.
Chichén Itzá is the name of a large ancient Mayan city in Mexico. Spanish writes both parts with an accent on the last syllable.
What does it mean word for word?
The name comes from the Maya language. Chichén refers to the mouth of a well and Itzá refers to the Itza people.
How do you pronounce it?
Chichén Itzá is pronounced /tʃitʃen itθa/, with the ch sound of English church.
Did you know?
- While the phrase is used in Spanish, it is a loanword from Yucatec Maya, a language that is still spoken by thousands of people in the Yucatán Peninsula today.
- Because the name is an ancient proper noun, Spanish speakers often drop the accent marks in informal writing, even though the correct orthography requires an accent on both Chichén and Itzá.
- While the name is globally famous, the word Itzá refers to a specific ethnic group, making the name a description of a people rather than just a city name.
Examples in context
- Vamos a visitar Chichén Itzá.We are going to visit Chichén Itzá.
- Chichén Itzá es impresionante.Chichén Itzá is impressive.
- ¿Has estado en Chichén Itzá?Have you been to Chichén Itzá?
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a trip to Mexico.
- MaríaJavier, ¿quieres ir a Chichén Itzá?Javier, do you want to go to Chichén Itzá?
- JavierSí, María, me encantaría.Yes, María, I would love to.
- MaríaEs un lugar histórico muy famoso.It is a very famous historical place.
- Javier¡Qué buena idea!What a great idea!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
