Spanish has five vowels with stable sounds: a, e, i, o, u. Each vowel is pronounced clearly and briefly, without glides. The vowel does not change according to its position in the word. The clarity of vowels is key for understanding the word.

Many consonants in Spanish are pronounced clearly and consistently. The letters p, t and k are pronounced without strong aspiration. The letters b and v usually sound very similar. The letter ll has regional variation, but in many areas it sounds like y.

Spanish is organized into syllables with a regular rhythm. Words are divided into syllables and each syllable has a vowel as its nucleus. Pronouncing all syllables clearly helps maintain the rhythm of Spanish. Do not omit vowels or consonants when speaking slowly.

In every word, one syllable sounds stronger: it is the stressed syllable (the tonic syllable). The accent can change the meaning or distinguish words. In Spanish, the written tilde marks the stressed syllable when rules require it. Listening to and marking the stressed syllable improves comprehension and production.

Two vowels together can form a diphthong or separate into a hiatus. A diphthong is pronounced in one syllable and usually combines i or u with another vowel. A hiatus is pronounced in two syllables and usually appears with strong vowels or with an accent. Recognizing diphthongs and hiatus helps place the accent and pronounce clearly.

The letter c can sound /θ/ or /s/ depending on the region when it comes before e or i. The letter z usually sounds /θ/ in Spain and /s/ in America. Both letters sound /k/ before a, o, or u. This difference is regional and does not change meaning.

The r has two main sounds: simple and multiple. rr is pronounced with a multiple vibrant sound and appears between vowels. r at the start of a word and after l, n or s tends to sound like a multiple trill. r between vowels in a single r is pronounced as a simple trill.

The final d in a syllable or word can weaken in informal speech, especially in some regions. In careful pronunciation, the d stays clearer. This variation is common in words ending in -ado and in endings like -edad. It is a difference of register and region, not a fixed rule.

The l is pronounced with the tongue against the teeth and remains clear at the end of a syllable. The ll has different realizations depending on the region: yeísmo and lleísmo. In areas with yeísmo, ll and y sound the same or very similar. In areas with lleísmo, ll is distinguished from y, but this distinction is minor.

Intonation in Spanish tends to fall at the end of a declarative sentence. In partial questions, the intonation rises on the question word and then falls. In total questions, the intonation tends to rise at the end. Using the appropriate intonation helps distinguish statements and questions.