How Do You Spell BARRANQUILLA?

Pronunciation: [bˌaɹɐnkwˈɪlə] (IPA)

The spelling of "Barranquilla," a city in northern Colombia, can be confusing due to the multiple "r's" and "ll's." However, using IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify the pronunciation and spelling. The word is pronounced /baɾaŋˈkiʝa/, with the first "r" and "ll" making a soft "y" sound. The second "r" is pronounced as usual. The double "l" is pronounced as the English "y." Therefore, the correct spelling is "Barranquilla."

BARRANQUILLA Meaning and Definition

1. Barranquilla is a noun and refers to a city in northern Colombia, located on the west bank of the Magdalena River near its mouth on the Caribbean Sea. With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, it is the fourth-largest city in Colombia and serves as a major industrial, commercial, and cultural hub in the country.

   The term also represents the capital of the Atlántico Department. It was founded in 1813 and has since become an important port city, facilitating trade with countries in the Caribbean region and serving as a gateway to South America. The city is known for its vibrant culture, lively festivals, and diverse culinary scene.

   Barranquilla's climate is predominantly tropical, characterized by hot and humid weather year-round. The city boasts a rich history, influenced by various cultures and ethnicities, including indigenous peoples, African slaves, and European immigrants. This diversity is reflected in its architecture, music, literature, and art.

   Furthermore, Barranquilla is famous for hosting one of the largest carnival celebrations in the world, attracting tourists from around the globe. The Barranquilla Carnival, declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is a lively and colorful event filled with parades, music, traditional dances, and elaborate costumes.

   Overall, Barranquilla is a vibrant city with a unique blend of cultures, a thriving economy, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an important destination within Colombia and the Caribbean region.

Common Misspellings for BARRANQUILLA

• baranquilla
• Barransilla

Etymology of BARRANQUILLA

The word "Barranquilla" is believed to have two possible origins in Spanish etymology. The first theory suggests that it comes from the combination of the Spanish words "barranco" and "quilla". "Barranco" means ravine or steep slope, while "quilla" is a keel (a structural element of a ship). Therefore, "Barranquilla" would mean "ravine with a keel" or "ravine-shaped like a keel", which makes sense considering the city's location near the Magdalena River, where ravines are present.

The second theory proposes that the name Barranquilla originates from the indigenous language of the Malibú tribe, who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. In their language, "Barranquilla" allegedly meant "a place with many trees".