When you move to Arizona, you practically have to learn to speak a whole new language. From the Spanish names to the monikers given to places from various indigenous tribes, like the Tohono Oʼodham Nation, the Ak Chin community, and the Pascua Yaqui tribe, learning to speak "Arizona" takes time and practice.

How do you say "Casa Grande"?
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Arizona is rife with unique city names. The pronunciation rules change depending on who let us borrow their word. Then, there are local adaptations that make the accepted way to say a word much different from the original group's intention.

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Phoenix, Tucson - we have some weird names here in Arizona. Canva
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Here are some of the common names we see across the state, where the spelling and the pronunciation seem to be at odds with each other:

  • Tucson
  • Phoenix
  • Huachuca City
  • Gila Bend
  • Ahwatukee
  • Ajo

These are just a few of the puzzling names that challenge our pronunciation skills.

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We've all driven through this city on Interstate 10. How should we say it? Canva
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There's one city just off Interstate 10 that seems simple, whether you're a native Spanish speaker or have only taken a year of high school Spanish. Read on. You'll find things are not nearly as simple as they seem.

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How Do You Pronounce "Casa Grande" in Arizona?

As a border state, we speak our own local version of Spanish here, and throw common words around in general conversation all the time. We don't think anything of it when we're talking about place names, foods, or other Spanish words that have crept into the local lexicon.

How Many Arizona Place Names Can YOU Pronounce?

There's the true Spanish pronunciation, and then the slightly more relaxed Americanized way of saying these words.

How do you say "Casa Grande"?
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There's one town in Southern Arizona that even seems to trip up the locals when it comes to learning how to say their name: Casa Grande.

Welcome to Casa Grande. Or is it Caza Grand?

So why can't we come to a consensus on how to pronounce this city name? I've even met people who live in this town, and even they can't seem to agree on how the words are said.

Even members of the Casa Grande's city government and their citizens say it differently, depending on who you ask.

Casa Grande Ruins. Credit Canva
Casa Grande Ruins. Credit Canva
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So, should we say "Kah-sa Grahn-day" or "Ka-sah Grand"? Here's what some of the citizens say.

Video Credit: KGUN 9 via YouTube

How Do YOU Say "Casa Grande", Arizona?

According to this video, it seems like you can decide for yourself how to pronounce Casa Grande. The locals don't agree, but they're not upset, no matter how you choose to pronounce their name!

Only True Arizonans Can Pronounce These Words Correctly

Casa Grande Ruins. Credit Canva
Casa Grande Ruins. Credit Canva
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Sources: KGUN 9 via YouTube

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Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

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Even Arizona Natives Struggle with These Weird Words!

Arizona's place name words are derived from three sources: Indigenous peoples, Spanish, and the names of those who first settled in an area.

Which words on our list do you find the most challenging to pronounce?

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM