The letter X in Spanish is one of the most fascinating and unique letters in the entire alphabet. Unlike most Spanish letters that follow predictable pronunciation rules, the letter X can be pronounced in four completely different ways depending on the word and its origin. Today, we'll explore these four distinct pronunciations so you can master this tricky but important Spanish letter.

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1. The Most Common X Sound: [ks]

The most frequent pronunciation of X in Spanish sounds like "ks" - the same as in English. This occurs in three specific situations:

Between vowels

When X appears between two vowels, it always sounds like [ks].

examen (exam) - pronounced "ek-SAH-men"

taxi - pronounced "TAHK-see"

Aunque, yo he de tomar un taxi

Although, I have to take a taxi

Caption 32, Aprendiendo con Silvia Expresiones y significados del verbo tomar - Part 1

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Before consonants

When X is followed by any consonant, it typically sounds like [ks].

texto (text) - pronounced "TEHK-sto"

experiencia (experience) - pronounced "ehks-peh-ree-EHN-see-ah"

El guión es el texto que contiene la historia, los diálogos y las acciones de una película.

The script is the text that contains a film's story, dialogues and actions.

Caption 46, Vocabulario de cine y películas Industria y producción - Part 2

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At the end of words

When X closes a word, it maintains the [ks] sound.

relax - pronounced "reh-LAHKS"

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2. When X Sounds Like "S"

At the beginning of words, X always sounds like a simple "s." This happens because Spanish doesn't naturally start words with the "ks" sound.

xenofobia (xenophobia) - pronounced "seh-noh-FOH-bee-ah"

xilófono (xylophone) - pronounced "see-LOH-foh-noh"

por ejemplo, la marimba, el xilófono o la cortina.

for example, the marimba, the xylophone, or the chimes.

Caption 67, Luis Guitarra Instrumentos musicales

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3. The Mexican X: Sounding Like "J"

This is perhaps the most interesting pronunciation! In certain Mexican place names and words of indigenous origin, X is pronounced like the Spanish "j" (which sounds like the English "h").

México - pronounced "MEH-hee-ko"

Oaxaca - pronounced "oh-ah-HAH-kah"

Texas - pronounced "TEH-hahs"

This pronunciation exists because these words come from Nahuatl, where X originally represented a "sh" sound. Over time, this evolved into the modern "j" sound, but the original X spelling was preserved.

La conexión de la música ha venido desde México

The musical connection has come from Mexico

Caption 15, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín Fernando y el mariachi

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A Special Case: Ximena

The name Ximena (pronounced "hee-MEH-nah") also uses this "j" sound, but it has a different story. Unlike the Mexican place names above, Ximena isn't from Nahuatl - it's an archaic Spanish spelling of the name Jimena.

Es que Susana vio a Vargas con Ximena,

It's just that Susana saw Vargas with Ximena,

Caption 12, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 8 - Part 4

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4. The Original X: The "Sh" Sound

In a few indigenous place names, X still retains its original "sh" pronunciation from native languages:

Xela (Guatemala) - pronounced "SHEH-lah"

Quick Reference Guide

To master X pronunciation in Spanish, remember these simple rules:

Most common: X = [ks] (like English)

Word beginning: X = [s]

Mexican places: X = [j/h sound]

Some indigenous names: X = [sh]

Understanding these four pronunciations will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking Spanish. The letter X may seem complicated at first, but with practice, you'll quickly recognize which pronunciation to use based on the word's origin and position.

Remember, when in doubt, the [ks] pronunciation is usually your safest bet for most Spanish words with X!

We'd love to hear how you're progressing with Spanish pronunciation - don't hesitate to reach out with your questions and feedback!