How Do You Spell MACAO?

Pronunciation: [mˈaka͡ʊ] (IPA)

Macao is a city in China, formerly a Portuguese colony. The spelling of "Macao" can be a bit tricky, as it is often spelled with different variations such as "Macao" and "Macau". However, the correct pronunciation of this word is /məˈkaʊ/ (muh-KOW) according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The correct spelling is "Macao", which is the recognized spelling by the United Nations and many other international organizations.

MACAO Meaning and Definition

  1. Macao, also spelled Macau, is a special administrative region (SAR) of China located on the southern coast of the country. It is situated across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong and covers a total area of approximately 32.9 square kilometers. Macao was a former colony of Portugal and became the last remaining European colony in Asia, until it was handed over to China in 1999.

    Macao is known for its vibrant blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, which is reflected in its unique architecture, cuisine, and customs. The region's official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese, and the population is predominantly Chinese. The SAR has its own legal and administrative systems, separate from that of mainland China, and enjoys a high degree of autonomy.

    Macao is internationally recognized as a major tourist destination and is famous for its world-class resorts, casinos, and entertainment industries. The region's economy heavily relies on tourism, gambling, and finance. It has a favorable tax system, which attracts foreign investment and has contributed to its status as one of the wealthiest regions in the world by GDP per capita.

    The Historic Centre of Macao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to numerous well-preserved colonial buildings and religious sites. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a combination of Chinese temples, Christian churches, and traditional Chinese mansions.

    Overall, Macao's distinct blend of cultures, thriving tourism industry, and unique history make it a prominent and fascinating destination in Asia.

Top Common Misspellings for MACAO *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MACAO

Etymology of MACAO

The word "Macao" has an interesting etymology. It originates from the Portuguese word "Macaú", which was derived from the Chinese term "Māxīgǎng" (澳門). "Māxīgǎng" can be translated as "Bay of A-Ma", referring to the temple of the goddess A-Ma located in Macao. Portuguese explorers and traders established a settlement around this bay in the 16th century and named it "Macaú" due to their misinterpretation of the term "Māxīgǎng". Over time, the Portuguese spelling evolved to "Macao" and became the name of the region and its city.

Similar spelling words for MACAO

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