How do you pronounce "Estadounidense"?

Question

Is it estah-doh-oo-nee-denseh, or Esta-DOU-nidense? I'm using a program that teaches Spanish, but this word is never used. They only say "norteamericano". Do people assume you mean U.S. citizen when you say norteamericano? Is it ok to say "Soy estadounidense."? I just want to make sure people understand me.

Answer 1

It is technically pronounced es-TA-do-u-ni-DEN-se, but when you say it with a native-speaker-like accent quickly it does sound a bit like es-TAOU-ni-DEN-se. Stick with the first one.

Estadounidense technically means someone from the united states, but it doesn't specify which united states... It could mean los Estados Unidos de América, or los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, for example (and mexicanos generally call themselves "mexicanos," but it's more of an issue of accuracy). Most people will probably get the idea of what you mean if you call yourself "estadounidense" or "norteamericano" (which, of course, technically means North American--and sounds more polite than "americano" which is both inaccurate and rude to a lot of people). You'll always be safe, though, just saying "soy de los Estados Unidos" or "vengo de los Estados Unidos" because while "México" is the short form for los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, los Estados Unidos (written as los EEUU) is the short form for the USA in Spanish (and the short form for the USA in Spanish is NOT América).

As far as people assuming that "norteamericano" means US citizen, I've heard yes and no. It's not really specific, but if you were Canadian, you'd say "canadiense," so whoever you're speaking to will figure out what you mean. Again, though, "soy de los EEUU" is generally best in all cases.

Answer 2

You can choose between both pronounciations. I've heard them both. It might even depend on how fast you're talking. I personally prefer to join the O and the U into one syllable, though.

As for the opposition between "estadounidense" and "norteamericano" (or just "americano"), it's rather an ideological contrast. As you may notice, "norteamericano" would imply from North America, and as you know, North America includes not only the USA, but also Canada and Mexico. So, if you feel it's unfair to use norteamericano to mean ONLY from the USA, then you'd use "estadounidense". But if you use "norteamericano" you'd be perfectly understood.

Answer 3

estah-doh-oo-nee-denseh would be the correct pronounciation. If you say "norteamericano" people will understand that you are from the U.S. (although Canada and Mexico are in North America, "norteamericano" or North American is used exclusively for people from the U.S.). Estadounidense would be the most correct way to say it. I would avoid using "americano" because that may hurt the sensibilities of many people in Latin America, since they consider themselves "americanos" because they live in the American continent.
You may want to read some of my questions because they are related to your question.

Answer 4

Some people resent the word "norteamericano", especially Mexicans, because they are also North Americans, even though they recognize that it does refer to someone from the United States of America. "Estadounidense" is a word that shouldn't offend anyone.

Answer 5

est-ah-doh-oo-nee-denseh - this means that u r from the usa and norteamericano means that u r from north america if u say that u are a norteamericano u r not especifiying that u r an american citticen

Answer 6

aste-dough-nee-den-seh
im mexican believe me
its correct 2 say soy estadounidense o vengo de estados unidos

Answer 7

 

In Argentina we pronounce Esta-dou-nidense ! But I'm not sure what are you reading ! =S (you can not pronounce this word similary i do) Well.. lot of Kisses from Argentina ! =)

 

Answer 8

yes it is ok to say "yo soy estadounidense". and it is pronounced "e-stado-ooni-den-say". hope 2 have help. trust me, soy mexicana

Answer 9

ehs - stah - doe - oo - nee - DEHN - say