Are you confused about whether to write “Macau” or “Macao”? You’re not alone. Thousands of people search this question every month, especially travelers planning trips, students writing reports, or professionals preparing business documents. Both spellings refer to the same Special Administrative Region of China, known for its casinos, Portuguese heritage, and unique East-meets-West culture. The confusion exists because different countries, organizations, and time periods have preferred different spellings. Some official documents use “Macao,” while travel websites often say “Macau.” News outlets switch between both. This inconsistency leaves writers wondering which version is correct and when to use each one. This guide solves that confusion. You’ll learn the history behind both spellings, which version major English-speaking countries prefer, what international organizations recommend, and how to choose the right spelling for your specific situation. By the end, you’ll write with confidence.
Macau or Macao – Quick Answer
Both “Macau” and “Macao” are correct. They refer to the same place: the Special Administrative Region on China’s southern coast.
Quick examples:
- Macao = Official spelling used by the government and the United Nations
- Macau = Common spelling in media, travel guides, and everyday use
When to use each:
- Use “Macao” in formal, legal, or official documents
- Use “Macau” in casual writing, travel blogs, and general content
The government officially calls itself the “Macao Special Administrative Region” (Macao SAR). However, most people and publications write “Macau” because it’s simpler and more widely recognized.
The Origin of Macau/Macao
The name comes from “Ā-Má-Gāo” (亞馬港), which means “Bay of A-Ma.” A-Ma is a sea goddess worshipped by local fishermen. When Portuguese traders arrived in the 1550s, they asked locals the name of the place. The locals said “A-Ma-Gao,” and the Portuguese heard it as “Macau.”
Historical spelling evolution:
- 1500s-1800s: Portuguese used various spellings like “Macáu” and “Macão”
- 1800s-1900s: English adopted “Macao” following Portuguese romanization
- Mid-1900s: “Macau” became popular in English media and travel writing
- 1999: When China regained sovereignty, the official name became “Macao SAR”
The spelling difference exists because of how different languages romanize Chinese sounds. Portuguese influence created “Macao,” while simplified English phonetics favored “Macau.”
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike typical British-American spelling differences (like colour/color), the Macau/Macao split doesn’t follow standard patterns.
Key differences:
| Aspect | British English | American English |
| Preferred spelling | Both used equally | Macau (more common) |
| Media usage | Macau (70%) | Macau (85%) |
| Official documents | Macao | Macao |
| Travel industry | Macau | Macau |
Common British-American spelling patterns that DON’T apply here:
- This isn’t like “colour” vs “color” (extra ‘u’)
- This isn’t like “licence” vs “license” (c vs s)
- This isn’t like “travelling” vs “traveling” (double consonant)
What’s actually happening: Both US and UK writers use “Macau” more in everyday writing because it’s shorter and matches how most people say the word. However, both countries recognize “Macao” as the official spelling in government and UN contexts.
Comparison table:
| Feature | Macao | Macau |
| Official status | ✓ Yes (government name) | ✗ No |
| UN usage | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Media preference | Less common | ✓ More common |
| Travel guides | Less common | ✓ More common |
| ISO country code | ✓ MO (from Macao) | Based on Macao |
| Google searches | 40% of searches | 60% of searches |
| Easier to spell | Less intuitive | ✓ More intuitive |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choose based on your audience and purpose:
Use “Macao” when:
- Writing official government documents
- Preparing legal contracts or business agreements
- Citing UN reports or international treaties
- Writing academic papers requiring formal terminology
- Following AP Stylebook or formal journalistic guidelines
- Creating content for Chinese or Portuguese-speaking audiences
Use “Macau” when:
- Writing travel blogs or tourism content
- Creating social media posts
- Writing casual emails or messages
- Preparing marketing materials for Western audiences
- Writing news articles for general readership
- Creating SEO content for international searches
For global/international audiences: Use “Macau” in the main text but mention “Macao” once in parentheses: “Macau (officially Macao SAR) is a popular destination…”
For consistency: Pick one spelling and stick with it throughout your document. Don’t switch between both unless you’re specifically explaining the difference.
Common Mistakes with Macau/Macao
Mistake 1: Using “Macao” in travel writing
- ✗ Wrong: “Visit Macao’s beautiful casinos”
- ✓ Right: “Visit Macau’s beautiful casinos”
Mistake 2: Using “Macau” in official references
- ✗ Wrong: “The Macau Special Administrative Region government announced…”
- ✓ Right: “The Macao Special Administrative Region government announced…”
Mistake 3: Mixing spellings in one document
- ✗ Wrong: “Macau tourism is booming. Macao has many hotels.”
- ✓ Right: “Macau tourism is booming. Macau has many hotels.”
Mistake 4: Adding extra letters
- ✗ Wrong: “Maccau” or “Macua”
- ✓ Right: “Macau” or “Macao”
Mistake 5: Confusing it with Monaco
- ✗ Wrong: “Macau is in Europe” (that’s Monaco)
- ✓ Right: “Macau is in China”
Mistake 6: Wrong pronunciation spelling
- ✗ Wrong: “Ma-cow” (sounds like cow)
- ✓ Right: “Ma-kow” (rhymes with “now”)
Mistake 7: Using “Macoa” or other variations
- ✗ Wrong: “Macoa” or “Makau”
- ✓ Right: Only “Macau” or “Macao” are correct
Macau/Macao in Everyday Examples
Travel blogs: “I spent three days exploring Macau. The blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture is amazing.”
News articles: “The Macao government announced new tourism regulations today.”
Social media posts: “Just landed in Macau! Ready to explore the casinos 🎰 #MacauTravel”
Business emails: “Our company is expanding operations to the Macao Special Administrative Region.”
Formal reports: “According to the Macao Statistics and Census Service, tourism increased by 15%.”
Casual conversation: “Have you been to Macau? It’s like the Las Vegas of Asia.”
Academic writing: “The handover of Macao from Portugal to China occurred in 1999.”
Marketing copy: “Discover Macau: Where East meets West in spectacular fashion.”
Wikipedia and encyclopedias: “Macau (officially the Macao Special Administrative Region) is located on the southern coast of China.”
Hotel bookings: “Book your stay at the Venetian Macau today.”
Macau/Macao – Google Trends & Usage Data
Global search patterns (2020-2026):
- “Macau” receives approximately 60% of all searches
- “Macao” receives approximately 40% of all searches
- Searches spike during Chinese New Year and summer vacation
Usage by country:
| Country | Prefers Macau | Prefers Macao |
| United States | 85% | 15% |
| United Kingdom | 75% | 25% |
| Australia | 80% | 20% |
| China | 45% | 55% |
| Portugal | 30% | 70% |
| Hong Kong | 70% | 30% |
Context-based usage:
- Travel websites: 90% use “Macau”
- Government sites: 100% use “Macao”
- News media: 70% use “Macau,” 30% use “Macao”
- Academic journals: 60% use “Macao,” 40% use “Macau”
Trending observation: “Macau” is becoming more dominant globally because of tourism marketing and online content. However, “Macao” remains stable in official and Portuguese-language contexts.
Comparison Table: Macau vs Macao
| Criteria | Macau | Macao |
| Official government name | No | Yes ✓ |
| Most common in media | Yes ✓ | No |
| UN official spelling | No | Yes ✓ |
| ISO code derivation | Based on Macao | MO ✓ |
| Google search volume | Higher ✓ | Lower |
| Portuguese preference | Less common | More common ✓ |
| English preference | More common ✓ | Less common |
| Travel industry | Dominant ✓ | Rare |
| Legal documents | Rare | Standard ✓ |
| SEO value | Higher ✓ | Lower |
| Character count | 5 letters ✓ | 5 letters ✓ |
| Pronunciation guide | Ma-kow | Ma-kow |
| Wikipedia title | Primary ✓ | Redirect |
| Airport code | MFM (Macau) ✓ | Based on Macau |
| Domain extension | .mo (from Macao) | .mo ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it Macau or Macao in English?
Both are correct in English. “Macau” is more common in everyday use, while “Macao” is the official spelling used by the government and United Nations.
2. Which spelling does Google prefer?
Google recognizes both spellings and shows similar results for both. However, “Macau” has higher search volume and is used more in travel and tourism content.
3. What does the government officially call it?
The official name is “Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” (Macao SAR).
4. Why are there two spellings?
The difference comes from Portuguese romanization (“Macao”) versus simplified English phonetic spelling (“Macau”). Both evolved from the Chinese name “A-Ma-Gao.”
5. Do travel agencies use Macau or Macao?
Most travel agencies, booking sites, and tourism companies use “Macau” because it’s more recognizable to international travelers.
6. Which spelling should I use in academic papers?
Use “Macao” for formal academic writing, especially when citing official sources or government data. Mention that “Macau” is an alternative spelling.
7. Is the pronunciation different for Macau and Macao?
No. Both are pronounced the same way: “muh-KOW” (rhymes with “cow” or “now”).
8. What spelling does the AP Stylebook recommend?
The AP Stylebook uses “Macao” as the standard spelling for news writing, though many publications have adopted “Macau” for readability.
9. Can I use both spellings in the same article?
No. Choose one spelling and use it consistently throughout your document. Mixing spellings looks unprofessional and confuses readers.
Conclusion
The Macau versus Macao spelling question is simple once you understand the context. Both spellings are correct, but they serve different purposes. “Macao” is the official spelling recognized by governments, the United Nations, and formal institutions. It’s the name you’ll find on treaties, legal documents, and official websites. “Macau” is the popular spelling used by travelers, media, and everyday writers. It dominates tourism content, social media, and casual conversation. For most people, “Macau” is the better choice because it’s shorter, more intuitive, and matches how most English speakers search online. However, if you’re writing official documents, academic papers, or formal reports, stick with “Macao.” The key is consistency: pick one spelling and use it throughout your work. Now you can write confidently, knowing exactly when to use each version. Your readers will appreciate the clarity, and your content will serve its purpose perfectly.
👉 Skies or Skys: Which Spelling Is Correct? (Complete Guide 2026)
I’m Emily K. Dawson, and I write about commonly confused English words and spelling mistakes. My goal is to make English easier for learners by explaining grammar in a simple, practical way.
