Spanish pronunciation rules
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¡Buenos días! Let´s get started with voicing Spanish!
Vocalization of Spanish letters might be confusing for an English speaker as they represent different sounds from their English equivalents. Let´s take a look on those letters that make a difference with regard to pronunciation.
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The letter g before the vowels a, o, u, ue, ui has the English hard g sound, such as in the word "good". However, before e and i, g sounds as exaggerated English h.
g sound | exaggerated h sound |
---|---|
guerra (war) | gerente (manager) |
gastos (expenses) | gigante (giant) |
gorro (hat) | gente (people) |
The pronunciation of Spanish letter y is the same as of Spanish i. For instance:
Depending on the Spanish-speaking country or region this letter could be heard as [ʝ], [ʒ] or [ʃ]. Notwithstanding, the majority of Spanish speakers say it like the letter y. In other words, ll and y represent the same sound. It could be compared to the sounding of the English "yes". For instance:
The Spanish x sounds just like the English one. Exception to the rule are the names containing x. In this cases the letter would rather sound as English h.
x sound | h sound |
---|---|
xenófobo (xenophobic) | México |
xilografía (woodcut) | Xavier |
In Spain it is pronounced like English th in the vocable "thanks" for example. In Latin America the same letter sounds like s. Some Z-words:
In Spanish v and b represent the same sound:
J is alike English h in "hi", but exaggerated. It is also the same as Spanish ge and gi:
It's like English oo in "roof", but shorter in the majority of the words. In the variants gui, gue and qu it is silent, unless it is marked this way:
oo sound, but shorter | silent u | güe, güi |
---|---|---|
Usted (you, polite) | guerra (war) | pingüino (penguin) |
uno (one) | guitarra (guitar) | cigüeña (stork) |
If it´s followed by the vowel sounds e and i, the pronunciation of the letter is like th in English (in Spain) or like s (in Latin America). If the letter is followed by the vowels a, o and u it is pronounced as k.
th sound or s sound | k sound |
---|---|
cerveza (beer) | cuando (when) |
cielo (sky) | comida (food) |
Do you remember the pronunciation lesson number 1 from the alphabet lecture? Let us remind you the most important points:
Which are the common rules?
The Spanish acute accent called tilde (á,é,ó,í,ú) is very important in the language. It indicates that the normal rules of the word stress are being violated. Words with accent mark have to be learnt by memory. For example:
Some more words with "tilde" are:
Some words with acute accent in Spanish |
---|
énfasis (emphasis) |
politización (politization) |
canción (song) |
francés (French) |
característica (characteristic) |
según (according) |
Acute accents are also used to distinguish words written in the same way, but with divergent meanings. For instance: si (if) and sí (yes).
Now you can watch the video below or practice with the audio, microphone and exercises. Have fun!
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In recent years I have worked as an Academic Director at a Language School in northern Spain. My job duties there included designing intensive Spanish & English courses for beginners’, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as teaching both on-site and via Skype. This constant interest has allowed me to become familiar with techniques and tools that are essential in today´s second language learning, such as the materials used by the Cervantes Institute and the most renowned publications and blogs in the field of language teaching. Most particularly, I have made extensive use of audiovisuals and creative writing activities in order to develop consistent, effective courses.
As an on-line teacher, I have steadily used different technology applications in language learning. My tasks as a teacher included setting homework and giving feedback to my students, according to their needs, on a regular basis, as well as keeping accurate register of their attendance and progress.
Graduated in Hispanic Philology and Masters in Applied French, I have always kept up with my teaching training and have recently completed a Cambridge CELTA course for English teachers This further training has provided me with the familiarity to different teaching methodologies, which have proven to be extremely useful in my classes.
My hobbies: art cinema, hiking, reading and watching and playing basketball.
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I wanted to refresh and improve my Spanish and I contacted Inigo because he 's certified in luinguistic. Inigo is very patient, professional and helpful. He provides well structured lessons, in a very friendly and good atmosphere which is really favorable for learning a foreign language. The lesson material is built around several support such as text, audio, video, etc. You can't be bored and it's nice to switch between the different materials along the hour. He's also fluent in French and English so he can switch from a language to another for any explanation if needed. I really enjoy my lessons with him and I definitely recommand him!
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Hi everyone!
My name is Kilian, I am 29 years old and I am a Spanish guy from Canary Islands.
A year ago I graduated in Spanish Language at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and I also finished the course that accredits me as a DELE examiner for levels B1 and B2 by the Instituto Cervantes. After studying abroad for six months (Czech Republic) I knew that I wanted to dedicate myself to teaching Spanish as a foreign language, so here I am!
Of course, my mother tongue is Spanish, but I also have an intermediate level of English which can be very useful to solve some doubts that may arise during the classes.
So if you want to learn more about Spain, about the fourth most spoken language in the world, and one of the most widely spoken languages in the planet, I look forward to share with you all of my knowledge in our class!
All the best!
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I am a very motivating and enthusiastic person. I put 100% into everything that I do.
My motto in life is that everyone has potential and it just needs to be reached in the right way with the correct direction.
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Hola, qué tal!
I have always enjoyed working with languages, culture, education and people. I am originally from Venezuela so Spanish is my native language and I have been living in Belgium since 2009. My degree as Master in Industrial Sciences is equated here.
I am a teacher and since 2018 I have been teaching Spanish to adults. I am able to boost the self-confidence of my students. My lessons are for absolute beginners (direction level 1 and 2), intermediate (direction level 3) and advanced (direction level 4). Conversation is also possible. I focus on the four most important skills: speaking skills; listening skills, writing skills and reading skills. And also on grammar and spontaneous communication.
Teaching and language are just my passion and I would like to teach it to others. I work with adults and seniors, but know that every person learns in a different way. Pleasure in learning and daring to communicate are paramount to me: We use Spanish book and workbook; audio material (Spanish songs), card games and more!
Los espero!
Anamaria
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I really enjoy following my lessons with Anamaria. She helps me a lot and is very positive. I'm excited to keep following the lessons!
Anamaria R.Thank you Anka!
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Imelda C.I appreciate such a good review about the interview we did for verification of my teaching application. God Bless you and the company as well
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You will speak Spanish from the very first day!
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Contact me and let's have a trial lesson! It's free! :)
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If you want to learn Spanish do not hesitate to sign up and we will have a good time;)
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I am patient and cheerful, and I strive to create a comfortable environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes. I am positive and I firmly believe that anyone with effort, perseverance and correct accompaniment can improve.
I am an online Spanish teacher certified by ELE International and I have been teaching Spanish since 2019. In 2020 I formalized my business and became freelance.
In these years, I have studied Spanish grammar thoroughly and I have tried many teaching methods that were taught to me in my training, which has led me to create my own method with what I have seen has given better results. I use spaced repetition, create projects, do real-life rollplays, and have the student come to the correct conclusion on their own using questions. For all this, we will use manuals that will guide your learning, the campus diffusion books.
I have helped students of all levels to improve Spanish until they can speak correctly. Each student learns differently and has their own challenges, so I have learned which resources work best for each person.
In my classes you will find a smily face and a relaxed atmosphere, in which you will feel free to ask questions as much as necessary and to express yourself without fear of mistakes.
See you soon!
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I love the Spanish lessons with Ainhoa! She is friendly end explanes very clear. Sometimes she spreaks very fast, but he.... that's good for learning! :-) And of course if you ask her to slow down, she will. Last but nog least.. she is a nice person!
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