How to Pronounce X in Brazilian Portuguese: Four Common Sounds
The letter X has several common pronunciations in Brazilian Portuguese. Learn the patterns, then check new words in context instead of guessing from spelling.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Portuguese X does not have one fixed sound. A common sound is like English “sh” in xícara (cup). In exame (exam), it sounds like z. In máximo (maximum), it often sounds like s; in táxi (taxi), it has a ks sound.
Recognize four common sounds for X
These are useful examples, not a complete rule that predicts every word. Pronunciation can depend on the word and, in some cases, regional speech. Learn the sound with the whole word and listen to a Brazilian speaker when you meet an unfamiliar spelling.
A xícara está na mesa.
The cup is on the table.
Tenho um exame amanhã.
I have an exam tomorrow.
Vou chamar um táxi.
I’m going to call a taxi.
Practice spelling and sound as a pair
Make a small word list with one example for each sound: xícara, exame, máximo, táxi. Read each word, listen to a Brazilian recording, and repeat the complete word at a comfortable pace.
When someone spells a name or address, do not rely on a guessed sound alone. Ask Como se escreve? (How do you spell it?) and confirm the letter. That is useful because X can be pronounced differently across familiar words.
Como se pronuncia esta palavra?
How is this word pronounced?
Você pode soletrar o sobrenome?
Could you spell the last name?
Put it into practice
Learn X word by word. It can sound like sh, z, s, or ks in common Brazilian Portuguese words, so pair spelling with audio instead of assuming one sound always applies.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’m going to call a taxi”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.