Spanish pronunciation is the system and set of rules for producing the sounds of the Spanish language. It covers how to pronounce vowels, consonants, and combinations, as well as the rules for word stress and intonation. Spanish has relatively consistent pronunciation compared to English, but there are regional variations across Spain and the Americas.
Spanish Sounds
- Spanish has 5 vowel sounds: a, e, i, o, u.
- Most consonants are similar to English, but some have different rules (e.g., j, ll, ñ, r).
- Spanish is largely phonetic: words are pronounced as they’re spelled.
Vowel Pronunciation
- a = like "ah" in "father"
- e = like "eh" in "bet"
- i = like "ee" in "see"
- o = like "oh" in "go"
- u = like "oo" in "moon"
- Vowels are always short and pure (without diphthongs or glides)
Consonant Pronunciation
- c before e, i = like th (in Spain) or s (in Latin America)
- g before e, i = like a throaty h
- j = like a strong h (throat sound)
- ll = like y in "yes" (or zh in some regions)
- ñ = like ny in "canyon"
- r = tap with the tongue
- rr = trilled, rolled r
What is the difference between 'r' and 'rr' in Spanish?
'r' is a tap, 'rr' is trilled
The single 'r' is a quick tap of the tongue, while 'rr' is a trilled or rolled sound, requiring more vibration.
Word Stress Rules
- If a word ends in a vowel, n, or s, stress is on the second-to-last syllable.
- If a word ends in any other consonant, stress is on the last syllable.
- Written accents (´) indicate the stressed syllable when it breaks these rules.
Where is the stress if a Spanish word ends in a vowel, 'n', or 's'?
On the second-to-last syllable
If a word ends in a vowel, 'n', or 's', the stress falls on the penultimate syllable.
Common Pronunciation Challenges
- Rolling the r (rr) can take practice.
- Distinguishing b and v sounds, which are very similar in Spanish.
- The j and g(before e/i) sounds can be harsh for English speakers.
- Regional variations in ll and y sounds (e.g., zh or sh in some areas).
Spanish pronunciation is about consistent rules and regular patterns, even though regional accents add some variation. Focus on mastering the basic sounds and stress rules to build a strong foundation.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
