Pronunciation Guide • English (from Nahuatl)
How to Pronounce chipotle
Difficulty: medium
IPA Transcription
/tʃɪˈpoʊtleɪ/
Why is it so hard to pronounce?
The most common mistake is pronouncing the "tl" ending. In Nahuatl (Aztec language), "tl" is a single sound — a lateral affricate. In English, we approximate it as "tl" not "til" or "lay". Say chi-POHT-lay.
💡 Pro Tip for chipotle
chi-POHT-lay. Not "chi-pol-tay" or "chip-oat-lee". The final syllable rhymes with "play".
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Hear 'chipotle' Audio Now →Word Origins
The term chipotle originates from Nahuatl "chilpoctli". Understanding its etymology helps explain why it breaks standard pronunciation rules.