Most of people opt out by saying Xela (Shay-la) instead of Quetzaltenango. However, if you are looking for a challenge and if you want to "Wow!" Guatemalans with your smooth pronunciation of the city's name, you may find this helpful.

QUETZALTENANGO can be divided up in 5 syllables.

1. QUE: "Ka" from words such as "Kate" and "Kay"

2. TZAL: "Tza" from a Russian emperor, Tzar. Just add L in the end.

3. TE: "Ta" from "Tape" and "Take"

4. NAN: "Non" from "None"

5. GO: Well, go is go.

Now say, "QUETZALTENANGO!"

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