If You Know How To Say These 13 Words, You’re Definitely From Arizona

Considering how many cultures have existed in Arizona over the years, it's no wonder some of our towns and landmarks stem from other languages and are hard to pronounce. Test your skills and see how many of the following 13 words you know how to say (before looking at the answer!). When you're ready, read on to learn all you need to know about Arizona word pronunciation!

1. Fort Huachuca

Although the pronunciation of this Arizona word isn't up for debate, the name of this Army installation still causes some head-scratching. Nevertheless, it's wa-CHOO-kuh. Live it, learn it, love it.

2. Nogales

You'll hear the name of this Arizona word said so many ways and it might sound different every time. Does it rhyme with Dallas or is it no-GAL-es? Turns out there are multiple ways to say this town name. Fun Fact: There's also a Nogales on the other side of the border in Mexico! If you've never been, consider stopping over in this Arizona town for a colorful day trip.

3. Sonoita

The Arizona word pronunciation of this town should be obvious to anyone who knows the basic rules of Spanish, but it's been butchered for so many years that most don't even bother. Technically, it's so-no-ee-tah, but you'll get some strange looks for pronouncing it that way instead of the more common so-noy-tah.

4. Mazatzal

The U.S. Forest Service calls this mountain range mah-zaht-zahl, as the spelling would suggest. Locals seem to have another idea of how to pronounce this Arizona word. You'll hear ma-ta-zel around these parts, a pronunciation that we just can't seem to wrap our heads around. If you'd like to explore this area, this stunning wildflower trail is the way to do it.

5. Mogollon Rim

Although the Arizona word pronunciation of a place this breathtaking shouldn't be all that important, it's still worth noting that nobody can seem to agree on how to say this popular destination. According to the National Park Service, it's moe-go-YONE. To area residents, it's either muggy-on or muggy-own.

6. Tohono O'odham

It's completely understandable to be more than a little confused about the name of this Native American reservation. You'll often find conflicting accounts of how to say this word. Is it Toe-ho-no Aw-aw-dam, Taw-haw-naw aw-aw-tham, or something else entirely? Although it is formally pronounced Thaw-haw-naw Awe-awe-thumb within the tribe, the preferred pronunciation is thaw-naw awe-thumb. Still, many Arizonans will commonly say it as Toe-ho-no O-Odaam.

7. San Xavier

This one might look easy, but it's not what you think. Ex-zavier, right? Nope. Zavier? Wrong again. It's actually ha-vier. Not what you were expecting, is it? The San Xavier del Bac Mission is also a few minutes from Sahuarita—one of the safest cities in Arizona. If you were wondering how to pronounce Sahuarita, it sounds like saa-wuh-ree-tuh.

8. Casa Grande

Okay, we know that coss-a grond-ay is technically correct, but nobody uses the right Arizona word pronunciation when saying this name. Just say cass-uh-grand and move on if you want to fit in 'round these parts, especially if you plan to visit the Casa Grande Ruins or the eerie Domes of Casa Grande.

9. Tempe

It should be simple. A single word can only be pronounced so many ways, right? Even still, some say TEMP-ee and others tem-PEE. A subtle change in enunciation, but different nonetheless.

10. Prescott

It looks like PRESS-cot, and anyone who isn't from the Grand Canyon State would insist that's the correct Arizona word pronunciation—but we know better (well, some of us, anyway.) It's an age-old argument, and City Hall settled it. Press-kit is the proper pronunciation for this vibrant Arizona town, and that's final.

11. Tlaquepaque

We don't blame anyone who has a hard time with this. It's tuh-LA-kuh-PA-kee, but luckily saying it right isn't a prerequisite to enjoying the many shops in this charming part of the Grand Canyon State. This traditional-looking village is also especially magical to visit during the holidays.

12. Ahwatukee

Residents of this upper-middle-class neighborhood are probably beyond tired of having to repeat the name of their subdivision to anyone who asks where they live! To save them a little effort, it's ah-wuh-TOO-kee. That wasn't too difficult, now was it?

13. Canyon de Chelly

The Arizona word pronunciation of this breathtaking canyon isn't anything like it looks. It's Canyon duh-SHAY, even though it looks like shell-ee. Hence, the more you know!

So, how did you do? Do you pronounce these words like a longtime local or an out-of-stater? Continue to test out your Arizona knowledge by checking out these quirky facts about the Grand Canyon State.

Inspired to start planning a trip to somewhere new? Whether it's in Arizona or further afield, use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to make the most of your getaway!