Introduction
Learning to pronounce the months of the year in Portuguese is an essential step for anyone studying this beautiful Romance language. While the month names may look similar to their English or Spanish counterparts, Portuguese pronunciation has unique characteristics that can challenge beginners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the correct pronunciation of each month, complete with phonetic breakdowns, practical tips, and cultural insights to help you speak like a native.
Understanding Portuguese Pronunciation Basics
Before diving into the months themselves, it’s important to grasp some fundamental aspects of Portuguese phonetics. The Portuguese language features nasal sounds, open and closed vowels, and specific consonant pronunciations that differ from English. These elements combine to create the melodic quality that makes Portuguese so distinctive.
Portuguese vowels can be pronounced in multiple ways depending on their position in a word and whether they carry a stress mark. The language also uses nasal diphthongs, which are vowel sounds produced by allowing air to flow through the nose. This nasalization is one of the most recognizable features of Portuguese pronunciation and appears in several month names.
Additionally, Portuguese speakers tend to reduce unstressed vowels, especially at the end of words. This reduction can make the final syllables sound softer or almost disappear, which is quite different from the way English speakers typically enunciate every syllable clearly.
The Complete List of Portuguese Months
Janeiro – January
Janeiro is pronounced jah-NEY-roo. The initial sound is similar to the English j in jump, though in Portuguese it’s slightly softer. The middle syllable NEY rhymes with the English word day, and the stress falls here. The final syllable roo is pronounced with a soft r that sounds almost like an English h in many regions, followed by a short oo sound.
When you hear native speakers say janeiro, pay attention to how they glide through the syllables smoothly. The r sound in Portuguese varies by region; in Rio de Janeiro, for example, it has a distinctive guttural quality that sounds like an h, while in São Paulo it might be pronounced with a rolled r similar to Spanish.
Example phrase: Em janeiro faz muito calor (In January it’s very hot) – a common expression during the Brazilian summer.
Fevereiro – February
Fevereiro is pronounced feh-veh-REY-roo. This word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable REY. The initial fe sounds like the English feh, the second syllable ve is pronounced veh, and the final roo follows the same pattern as in janeiro.
The middle portion veh-REY flows together smoothly in native speech. Portuguese speakers don’t separate these syllables sharply; instead, they blend them into a continuous sound. The final r in fevereiro again varies regionally but is typically softer than an English r.
Example phrase: Fevereiro é o mês do Carnaval (February is the month of Carnival) – connecting the month to Brazil’s most famous celebration.
Março – March
Março is pronounced MAR-soo. This is a shorter, two-syllable word with stress on the first syllable. The initial sound MAR rhymes with the English word car, though the r is softer. The ç (c-cedilla) is pronounced like an English s, making the final syllable soo.
The c-cedilla is a special character in Portuguese that always produces an s sound. When pronouncing março, make sure the final vowel is a clear oo sound, not shortened to just s as an English speaker might do with March. This vowel ending is crucial for sounding natural.
Example phrase: Em março começa o outono (In March autumn begins) – noting the seasonal change in the Southern Hemisphere.
Abril – April
Abril is pronounced ah-BREEL. The word has two syllables with stress on the second syllable BREEL. The first syllable ah is a short, open vowel sound. The second syllable begins with a br consonant cluster, which Portuguese speakers pronounce quickly and smoothly.
The final sound eel in abril is pronounced like the English word eel. Make sure to give this vowel its full value – it’s a long ee sound followed by a clear l. The l at the end of words in Portuguese can sound like a w in some regions, so you might hear abril pronounced almost like ah-BREEW.
Example phrase: Primeiro de abril é o Dia da Mentira (The first of April is April Fools’ Day) – literally translating to Day of the Lie.
Maio – May
Maio is pronounced MY-oo. This short, two-syllable word has stress on the first syllable MY, which sounds like the English word my. The second syllable oo is brief and soft. The entire word flows quickly in natural speech.
When native speakers say maio, they often blend the two syllables together so smoothly that it almost sounds like one syllable. The transition from the diphthong ai to the final o is seamless. Don’t pause between the syllables; let them flow together naturally.
Example phrase: Maio é o mês das mães (May is the month of mothers) – referring to Mother’s Day celebrations.
Junho – June
Junho is pronounced JOON-yoo. The word has two syllables, both of which are important to pronounce clearly. The first syllable JOON combines an English j sound with a nasalized oon sound. This nasalization is created by allowing some air to pass through your nose as you say the vowel.
The nasal sound in junho is represented by the combination un followed by h. In Portuguese, this creates a distinctive nasal vowel that doesn’t exist in English. To practice, try saying the English word soon while pinching your nose slightly open – this approximates the nasal quality. The final syllable yoo is softer and unstressed.
Example phrase: Festas juninas acontecem em junho (June festivals happen in June) – referring to traditional celebrations.
Julho – July
Julho is pronounced JOOL-yoo. Similar to junho, this word contains a nasal vowel in the first syllable. The JOOL sound combines the English j with a nasalized ool. The lh consonant combination in Portuguese is pronounced like the lli in the English word million, creating a y sound.
When pronouncing julho, pay special attention to the lh digraph. This isn’t pronounced as separate l and h sounds; instead, it creates a unique palatal sound. Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth as if you’re about to say y, and let the sound flow from there. The final o is reduced and soft.
Example phrase: Em julho tem férias escolares (In July there are school holidays) – marking the mid-year break.
Agosto – August
Agosto is pronounced ah-GOSH-too. This three-syllable word has stress on the middle syllable GOSH. The first syllable ah is a short, open vowel. The middle syllable combines the g sound (as in go) with an osh sound, and the final syllable too is pronounced with a clear oo.
The g in agosto is always hard, as in English goat, never soft like in English gem. The final syllable, while spelled with an o, is pronounced more like a long oo sound. Portuguese speakers tend to close this final vowel, making it sound rounder and fuller than the spelling might suggest to English speakers.
Example phrase: Agosto é um mês de inverno (August is a winter month) – true in the Southern Hemisphere.
Setembro – September
Setembro is pronounced seh-TEM-broo. The word has three syllables with stress on the middle syllable TEM. The first syllable seh is straightforward. The middle syllable contains a nasal vowel – the em creates a sound similar to the English aim but with more nasalization.
The nasalization in setembro is subtle but important for authentic pronunciation. The em shouldn’t sound like a clear e followed by m; instead, it’s a single nasalized vowel sound. The final syllable broo combines the br consonant cluster with an oo vowel, and the r is soft as in previous months.
Example phrase: A primavera começa em setembro (Spring begins in September) – another seasonal reference for the Southern Hemisphere.
Outubro – October
Outubro is pronounced oh-TOO-broo. This three-syllable word has stress on the second syllable TOO. The first syllable oh is a short, open o sound. The middle syllable is a stressed oo sound, and the final syllable broo follows the familiar pattern of br plus oo.
When native speakers say outubro, they emphasize the middle syllable clearly. The transition between syllables is smooth, and the final r maintains its soft, breathy quality. The word flows rhythmically with a clear emphasis on TOO, making it easy to identify in spoken conversation.
Example phrase: Outubro é o mês das crianças (October is children’s month) – referring to Children’s Day on October 12th.
Novembro – November
Novembro is pronounced noh-VEM-broo. The word has three syllables with stress on the middle syllable VEM. The first syllable noh is brief with an open o sound. The middle syllable contains another nasal vowel – vem combines the v consonant with a nasalized em sound.
The pronunciation of novembro requires the same nasal technique as setembro. The em in the middle syllable should resonate in your nasal cavity. Many learners struggle with this nasalization at first, but with practice, it becomes natural. The final syllable broo completes the word with the familiar br-oo combination.
Example phrase: Em novembro tem Black Friday (In November there’s Black Friday) – showing the global influence on Brazilian culture.
Dezembro – December
Dezembro is pronounced deh-ZEM-broo. This three-syllable word has stress on the middle syllable ZEM. The first syllable deh is straightforward. The middle syllable combines the z sound (like English z in zoo) with a nasalized em, and the final syllable broo follows the standard pattern.
When pronouncing dezembro, make sure the z sound is clearly voiced – it’s a buzzing sound, not an s sound. The nasal vowel in zem should be pronounced with the same technique used in setembro and novembro. The final r in broo remains soft and breathy, completing the word with a gentle ending.
Example phrase: Natal é em dezembro (Christmas is in December) – connecting the month to the holiday season.
Regional Pronunciation Variations
Portuguese pronunciation varies significantly across different regions. In Rio de Janeiro, the r sound at the end of syllables often sounds like an English h. In São Paulo and southern regions, you might hear a more rolled r similar to Spanish. In Portugal, the pronunciation differs even more dramatically, with greater vowel reduction and different rhythm patterns.
These regional variations are all considered correct and authentic. As a learner, you’ll likely be exposed to one variety more than others, depending on your learning resources or location. The pronunciations provided in this guide reflect standard Brazilian Portuguese, which is widely understood and accepted throughout Portuguese-speaking communities.
Don’t worry if you hear different pronunciations from various native speakers. This diversity is a natural part of the language. Focus on being consistent with one variety while remaining aware that others exist. Native speakers will understand you regardless of which regional accent you adopt.
Practical Tips for Mastering Month Pronunciation
Listen to native speakers as much as possible. Watch Brazilian videos, listen to podcasts, or use language learning apps that feature native pronunciation. Pay attention to how speakers from different regions pronounce the months, and try to mimic their rhythm and intonation.
Practice the nasal sounds regularly. Months like junho, julho, setembro, novembro, and dezembro all contain nasalized vowels that require specific mouth and nose coordination. Try humming while saying these vowels to feel the nasal resonance.
Record yourself saying the months and compare your pronunciation to native speakers. This self-assessment technique helps you identify specific sounds or patterns that need improvement. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t sound perfect immediately – pronunciation improves gradually with consistent practice.
Use the months in context rather than just memorizing them in isolation. Create sentences about your schedule, birthdays, holidays, or seasonal activities. This contextual practice helps embed the pronunciation in your memory more effectively than simple repetition.
Common Pronunciation Mistakes to Avoid
Many English speakers struggle with the final o in Portuguese words, pronouncing it too much like the English oh. In Portuguese, this final vowel is typically reduced to a short oo sound. Practice shortening and softening final vowels to sound more natural.
Another common error is over-enunciating each syllable. English speakers tend to pronounce every syllable clearly and separately, but Portuguese flows more smoothly with softer transitions between syllables. Let the words glide rather than chopping them into distinct parts.
Don’t forget the nasal sounds. English doesn’t have nasal vowels, so learners often skip this feature entirely. However, nasalization is essential for authentic Portuguese pronunciation. It’s one of the language’s most distinctive characteristics and immediately makes your speech sound more native-like.
Watch out for stress patterns. Portuguese words have specific stressed syllables, and placing stress incorrectly can make words difficult to understand or even change their meaning. Most month names follow predictable patterns, but it’s important to learn which syllable receives emphasis in each word.
Cultural Context for Using Months in Portuguese
When discussing months in Portuguese, you’ll often hear them used with the preposition em (in). For example, Em janeiro faz calor means In January it’s hot. This construction is standard and natural in Portuguese, though sometimes the preposition can be omitted in casual speech.
Brazilians often associate months with specific cultural events or seasonal characteristics. Janeiro and fevereiro are summer vacation months and carnival time. Junho and julho bring festas juninas and winter holidays. Dezembro means Christmas and summer beginning. These associations make months come alive in conversation.
When writing dates in Portuguese, the format differs from English. Brazilians typically write day/month/year, so December 25, 2024 becomes 25/12/2024 or 25 de dezembro de 2024. The word de (of) connects the elements when writing out dates fully.
In formal contexts, month names are not capitalized in Portuguese, unlike in English. You would write janeiro, not Janeiro, unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence. This is a small but important detail that shows your understanding of Portuguese conventions.
Building Vocabulary Around the Months
Once you’ve mastered pronouncing the months, expand your vocabulary with related words. Learn the days of the week, seasons (estações), and time expressions like próximo mês (next month), mês passado (last month), and este mês (this month). These terms frequently appear alongside month names in everyday conversation.
Practice asking and answering questions about dates. Qual é a data de hoje? (What’s today’s date?) and Em que mês você nasceu? (In which month were you born?) are useful questions that incorporate month names naturally. Regular practice with these phrases helps reinforce pronunciation.
Learn holiday names and their associated months. Carnaval in fevereiro or março, Páscoa (Easter) in março or abril, Festa Junina in junho, and Natal in dezembro provide cultural context and make the months more memorable. Connecting months to meaningful events aids retention and pronunciation accuracy.
Conclusion
Mastering the pronunciation of Portuguese months requires attention to nasal sounds, vowel reduction, and regional variations. By practicing regularly, listening to native speakers, and using the months in meaningful contexts, you’ll develop natural and confident pronunciation. Remember that learning a language is a journey, and each small improvement in your pronunciation brings you closer to fluency. The months are just the beginning – they open doors to discussing schedules, planning events, and engaging in everyday conversations with Portuguese speakers around the world.
