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Home / Latin Culture

How to Pronounce Medellin

Latin Culture Last Updated · Jan 20th, 2023 · Daniel James

Are you wondering how to pronounce Medellin correctly?

backpacking colombia medellin
Let’s get the Medellin pronounciation correct!

If you’re reading this guide, you’re likely asking yourself that question.

After spending so much time in this city living with Paisas, whenever I’d phone home and tell the family I’m safe.

They would ask me, “Are you still in Medellin?” However, when they pronounced the word Medellin it sounded all weird.

Table of Contents

  • How to Pronounce Medellin
    • Medellin Pronunciation Video
    • Spanish Pronounciation
    • Colombian Spanish
  • How to Pronounce Medellin

How to Pronounce Medellin

This is why I wanted to create a short explanation of how to say the word Medellin correctly, and, in a Paisa accent so you sound authentic.

Medellin Pronunciation Video

I realized somebody had created a video with the best explanation!

See the tutorial I’ve added below for your reference:

So, we say Me-de-llín the video was created by a paisa so it’s pronounced very clear.

As you can see, the word does not sound how it looks and I think this is what throws a lot of people off.

Spanish Pronounciation

Below are some of the ways of pronouncing Medellin.

For example if you in the Caribbean coast of Colombia the pronunciation may look like this:

  • MEH – DEH – YIN

If you are actually in Medellin or in Colombia’s Capital Botoga, it may look like this:

  • MEH – DEH – JIN

This is due to the “ll” having many different pronunciations in Spanish.

It all depending on the region and accent of the person speaking.

In South America, for example, the most common sound for the “ll” “zh” which sounds like “g” in the word “beige”.

Another common way you’ll hear the “ll” is pronounced with the “y” sound.

If you know anything about Argentina (especially porteños) the Argentines are known for pronouncing the “ll” with a “sh” sound.

Colombian Spanish

Although Colombian Spanish is known throughout South America for being very formal.

If you have spent any time in Medellin you’ll there are many slang words used.

In fact, I began to pick up some of this Paisa Slang to be able to understand how the locals communicate in their own unique dialect.

How to Pronounce Medellin

So, there you have it!

Now you know how to pronounce Medellin like a Colombian! I spend a few months of the year out in Colombia to practice my Spanish.

If you are thinking of traveling to Colombia and looking for things to do in Medellin while learning Spanish, you won’t be disappointed.

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medellin pronounciation
how to pronounce medellin

Did this help you to pronounce Medellin properly?

💬 Leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation!


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Filed Under: Latin Culture Tagged With: Medellin

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.

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