How to Pronounce Agave and Maguey

Do you know how to say agave in Spanish? How about maguey? If not, don't worry!

In this blog post, we will teach you how to pronounce both words correctly.

How to Pronounce Agave in English

The word agave is pronounced uh-ga-vay. The accent is on the first syllable.

How to Pronounce Agave in Spanish

In Mexican Spanish, the word agave is pronounced ah-gah-beh. The accent is on the second syllable.

How to Pronounce Maguey in English

The word maguey is pronounced mah-gay. The accent is on the first syllable.

How to Pronounce Maguey in Spanish

In Spanish, the word maguey is pronounced the same (mah-gey). The accent is on the first syllable.

What is the Difference Between Agave and Maguey?

Agave and Maguey are two ways to describe a succulent that is native to the hot, dry regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. 

They can also be called a century plant.

The name agave comes from the Greek word αγαυή (agauê), which means “noble.”

The name maguey comes from the Nahuatl word mahagua, which means “plant that gives water.”

Why Does One Type of Agave Have So Many Names?

The plant has so many names because it has been used for a long time and in many different ways by indigenous people and modern people alike.

The agave plant is used to make tequila, mezcal, and pulque. But you may not have known that it is also used to make paper, rope, fabric, and food!

There are also scientific names as well. For example. The agave used in tequila is called Blue Weber Agave, or Blue Agave. However, the scientific name is Agave Tequiliana.

To add another layer of complexity, the locals may call certain agaves a completely different name.

We hope you now know how to say agave and maguey in both Spanish and English. We also hope that you have learned a little bit about where the agave names come from and can show off your newfound knowledge at your next mezcal tasting.