How Do You Pronounce the Famous Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macau? 🎤⛪，Ever wondered how to pronounce Macau’s iconic "Ruins of St. Paul"? Dive into its history and learn the correct way to say it like a local – no tourist cringe included! 🇲🇴🌟
🗣️ The Correct Way to Say It: Ruins of St. Paul’s
First things first, let’s clear up the confusion. The official name is **"Ruins of St. Paul’s"**, but many people refer to it as **"Mater Dei"** or simply **"Big Buddha Arch"** (which is a bit of a mix-up). So, how do you pronounce it? In English, it’s straightforward: "Saint Paulz." But here’s where it gets fun – locals call it **"São Paulo"** (pronounced sao-pow-loo)! 🎤✨
Fun fact? The name “Big Buddha” comes from Cantonese slang for the archway looking like a giant Buddha statue… even though it’s Catholic! 🙏😂
🌍 Why Does Everyone Mispronounce It?
Blame history! The ruins were originally part of a Jesuit church built in 1637, destroyed by fire in 1835. Over centuries, Portuguese, Chinese, and international tourists have all tried their hand at naming this landmark. Some say "St. Paols," others go full-blown "San Pawl." 😅 If you’re unsure, just ask a local – they’ll laugh either way, but appreciate your effort! 😌