méxico
MEH-hee-koh
📝 In Action
¿Conoces a alguien que viva en México?
A1Do you know anyone who lives in Mexico?
La cultura de México es muy rica y diversa.
A2The culture of Mexico is very rich and diverse.
La Ciudad de México es la capital del país.
A2Mexico City is the country's capital.
💡 Grammar Points
Capitalization
As a proper noun (the name of a place), 'México' is always capitalized.
Using the Article
When referring to the country, you usually do not need a definite article ('el' or 'la'). Say 'Voy a México' (I go to Mexico), not 'Voy al México'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronouncing the 'X'
Mistake: "Pronouncing the 'x' as in English ('Meksico')."
Correction: The 'x' in 'México' is pronounced like a strong Spanish 'j' (a sound similar to the English 'h'). Say 'MEH-hee-koh'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Accent Mark
The accent mark on the 'e' means the stress falls there: MÉ-xi-co. This helps ensure correct pronunciation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: méxico
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'México'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'México' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is there to show where the emphasis falls when you say the word. Without it, the natural Spanish pronunciation rules would stress the second syllable ('mexi-CO'), but the accent forces the stress onto the first syllable ('MÉ-xi-co').
Is it okay to spell it 'Méjico'?
While 'Méjico' is grammatically correct and reflects the pronunciation, the spelling 'México' is the official and overwhelmingly preferred spelling in Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Mexico itself. Always use 'México'.