Let’s take a look at some popular Spanish words with X. This letter is pronounced differently depending on its position within a word. In this article, we are also going to learn when to write this letter and how to pronounce it.

The name of the letter X in Spanish is equis.

There are not many Spanish words with X. However, this letter is more popular than K or W. Let’s see a list of popular Spanish words with X.

Spanish Words that Start with X

In Spanish, the words that start with xeno-, xero– and xilo– are always written with X. In this position, the letter X is pronounced as S (like in send).

Xeno–

The prefix xeno– means foreigner. Some words with this prefix are xenofobia (xenophobia) and the person who is hostile to foreigners is called a xenófobo or xenófoba (xenophobic).

Debemos condenar la intolerancia y la xenofobia.

We must condemn intolerance and xenophobia.

Nos preocupan las actitudes racistas y xenófobas.

We are concerned at the racist and xenophobic attitudes.

Xero–

The prefix xero– means dry or arid. Some Spanish words with xero– are xerocopia (photocopy produced by xerography) or xerófilo (xerophilous), which refers to vegetables that can live in arid regions.

Las xerocopias salieron demasiado oscuras.

The xeros came out too dark.

Esa región tiene clima seco con muchos bosques xerófilos.

That region has a dry climate with many xerophilous forests.

Xilo–

The prefix xilo– means wood. A word with this prefix is xilófono (xylophone) and the person who plays this percussion instrument is called xilofonista.

Mi hijo aprendió a tocar el xilófono.

My son learned to play the xylophone.

Mi vecina es una xilofonista famosa.

My neighbor is a famous xylophone player.

Spanish Words that End with X

When the letter X is at the end of a Spanish word, it is pronounced as KS (like in box) or as GS (like in exam).

Dúplex

In Spanish, the word dúplex (duplex apartment) refers to a apartment which has rooms on two floors.

He visitado un dúplex muy bonito esta mañana.

I’ve visited a very beautiful duplex this morning.

El dúplex de mi sobrina tiene un baño y una cocina abajo.

My niece’s duplex has a bathroom and a kitchen downstairs.

Fax

In Spanish, the word fax refers to a machine that used to send and receive copies of documents electronically. You can also use fax to refer to the document that was sent by a fax machine.

Hay que rellenar los formularios y enviarlos por fax.

We have to fill out the forms and send them by fax.

Tengo que enviar por fax varios de estos documentos.

I have to send some of these documents by fax.

Unisex

The adjective unisex describes things, such as clothes or places, which are designed for both men and women.

Tenemos baños unisex en la oficina.

We have unisex bathrooms in the office.

Esta es una camiseta unisex infantil.

This is child’s unisex t-shirt.

Spanish Words that Contain X

When the letter X appears within a word, it has two main pronunciations: KS (like in exit) or GS (like in exam).

It is pronounced as KS or GS when it starts a syllable between vowels. However, when it appears at the end of a syllable followed by a consonant, you can pronounce it as KS, GS or even S. In Spain, you’ll usually hear it pronounced like an S.

Extra–

In Spanish, words that start with the prefix extra– (outside, beyond) are always written with X. For example, extramuros (outside the city), extraordinario (extraordinary) or extraterrestre (alien, extraterrestrial).

Este fue el primer barrio construido en los extramuros de la ciudad.

This was the first neighborhood built outside of the city.

Mi empresa ha registrado un ingreso extraordinario.

My company has booked an extraordinary income.

Ex–

Spanish words that start with the prefix ex– (former) are always written with X. For instance, expresidente (ex-president), exnovio (ex-boyfriend)or exalumno (former student). As you can see, they are written without a hyphen.

El expresidente González lidera las encuestas.

The ex-president González is leading the polls.

La actriz invitó a su exnovio a la fiesta.

The actress invited her ex-boyfriend to the party.

Ex– before –pr– or –pl–

Words that start with the syllable ex– followed by the letters –pr– or –pl– are written with X. Some examples are expresar (to express), exprimir (to squeeze), explicar (to explain) or explorar (to explore).

Expresó su opinión sobre nuestro nuevo libro.

He expressed his opinion of our new book.

Explicaron que bajaron los precios para vender más cantidad.

They explained that they lowered the prices to sell more quantity.

More Spanish Words with X

Here you have a list of more Spanish words with X. You can pronounce this letter X as KS or GS. However, when the X is at the end of a syllable followed by a consonant, it is usually pronounced as S.

X between Vowels

  • El anexo (annex)
  • El boxeo (boxing)
  • El claxon (car horn)
  • La conexión (connection)
  • El examen (exam)
  • El exilio (exile)
  • El éxito (success)
  • La galaxia (galaxy)
  • El oxígeno (oxygen)
  • El saxofón (saxophone)
  • El taxi (taxi, cab)
  • Aproximar (to approximate)
  • Auxiliar (auxiliary)
  • Exacto (exact)
  • Exagerar (to exaggerate)
  • Examinar (to examine)
  • Exigente (challenging)
  • Exigir (to demand)
  • Existir (to exist)
  • Exótico (exotic)
  • Flexible (bendable, flexible)
  • Luxemburgo (Luxembourg)
  • Máximo (maximum)
  • Próximo (next, nearby)
  • Tóxico (toxic)

X Followed by a Consonant

  • La excusa (excuse)
  • La excursión (trip)
  • La experiencia (experience)
  • El experimento (experiment)
  • El experto (expert)
  • La exposición (exhibition)
  • El extintor (fire extinguisher)
  • El texto (text)
  • Excelente (excellent)
  • Extraño (strange)
  • Extranjero (foreigner)

Finally, in some Mexican proper nouns, the letter X is pronounced as H (like in habit). For example, Oaxaca, Xalapa, México or Texas.

Exercises

Let’s do some exercises to practice some of these Spanish words with X. You can also continuing doing vocabulary exercises with words containing CH, H, J, K, Ñ, Q, R, W, Y or Z.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Categorized in:

Vocabulary