Spanish pronunciation rules
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
¡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.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
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!
How does "g" sound in the word "guerra"?
exaggerated h sound
g sound
How does "g" sound in the word "gente"?
g sound
exaggerated h sound
How does the second "g" sound in the word "gigante"?
exaggerated h sound
g sound
How does "x" sound in the word "xilografía"?
x sound
h sound
How does "ü" sound in the word "cigüeña"?
silent u
oo sound, but shorter
How does "c" sound in the word "cuando"?
s sound
k sound
How does "c" sound in the word "cielo"?
k sound
th or s sound
How does "c" sound in the word "comida"?
th or s sound
k sound
The diphtong "ui" in the word "influir" forms:
2 syllables
1 syllable
Where is the stress in the word "pastel"?
on the last syllable
on the penultimate syllable
How does "g" sound in the word "guerra"?
g sound
How does "g" sound in the word "gente"?
exaggerated h sound
How does the second "g" sound in the word "gigante"?
g sound
How does "x" sound in the word "xilografía"?
x sound
How does "ü" sound in the word "cigüeña"?
oo sound, but shorter
How does "c" sound in the word "cuando"?
k sound
How does "c" sound in the word "cielo"?
th or s sound
How does "c" sound in the word "comida"?
k sound
The diphtong "ui" in the word "influir" forms:
1 syllable
Where is the stress in the word "pastel"?
on the last syllable
caracter
carácter
cáracter
inmunologico
inmúnologico
inmunológico
fotografo
fotógrafo
fótografo
aversion
avérsion
aversión
critica
crítica
critíca
energica
enérgica
énergica
brujeria
brujería
brujéria
practica
practíca
práctica
tecnica
técnica
tecníca
magica
magíca
mágica
accion
áccion
acción
caracter
carácter
inmunologico
inmunológico
fotografo
fotógrafo
aversion
aversión
critica
crítica
energica
enérgica
brujeria
brujería
practica
práctica
tecnica
técnica
magica
mágica
accion
acción
How does "g" sound in the word "guerra"?
g sound
exaggerated h sound
How does "g" sound in the word "gente"?
g sound
exaggerated h sound
How does the second "g" sound in the word "gigante"?
exaggerated h sound
g sound
How does "x" sound in the word "xilografía"?
x sound
h sound
How does "ü" sound in the word "cigüeña"?
oo sound, but shorter
silent u
How does "c" sound in the word "cuando"?
k sound
s sound
How does "c" sound in the word "cielo"?
th or s sound
k sound
How does "c" sound in the word "comida"?
k sound
th or s sound
The diphtong "ui" in the word "influir" forms:
1 syllable
2 syllables
Where is the stress in the word "pastel"?
on the last syllable
on the penultimate syllable
How does "g" sound in the word "guerra"?
g sound
How does "g" sound in the word "gente"?
exaggerated h sound
How does the second "g" sound in the word "gigante"?
g sound
How does "x" sound in the word "xilografía"?
x sound
How does "ü" sound in the word "cigüeña"?
oo sound, but shorter
How does "c" sound in the word "cuando"?
k sound
How does "c" sound in the word "cielo"?
th or s sound
How does "c" sound in the word "comida"?
k sound
The diphtong "ui" in the word "influir" forms:
1 syllable
Where is the stress in the word "pastel"?
on the last syllable
caracter
cáracter
carácter
inmunologico
inmúnologico
inmunológico
fotografo
fotógrafo
fótografo
aversion
aversión
avérsion
critica
critíca
crítica
energica
énergica
enérgica
brujeria
brujería
brujéria
practica
practíca
práctica
tecnica
técnica
tecníca
magica
mágica
magíca
accion
áccion
acción
caracter
carácter
inmunologico
inmunológico
fotografo
fotógrafo
aversion
aversión
critica
crítica
energica
enérgica
brujeria
brujería
practica
práctica
tecnica
técnica
magica
mágica
accion
acción
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
I am teacher of classical philology with a 17 year old experience for preparing students for greek university exams and degrees for Greek language. I am tutor and I work has freelance teacher.
I teach with new methods using books with quality and using monthly tests and mock exams verified by the Official Organisation of the exams.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mira is an experienced teacher ! She prepares students before entering to the university. She teaches to teenagers and adults. Students can learn Greek by comprehension exercises, grammar lessons and vocabulary ! Moreover Mira is a nice person, students will be in confidence with her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Gisèle is a French teacher since more than 5 years. She teaches to students in group or individually. Foreign student or French student can ask Gisèle's help for an examen or just to remember them their French grammar. She uses many learning tools as texts, audios, role-playing games, videos, images, conversations and books in order to work pronunciation, grammar, conjugation and speaking. I recommend her !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I met Claudia and she is very nice and motivated to learn Spanish with me. Everything went smoothly and Claudia has very good English. Thank you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elsa is a really nice and sweet teacher. She has experience with every kind of student, but especially with children. She will adapt the classes to the students' different levels and needs, and she will provide all the learning materials they might need.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I'm Andrés. I've been a language teacher since 2005. I'm also CELTA certified but more importantly, it's my experience as a teacher, as well as being a learner of Japanese (intermediate), Chinese (intermediate) and now Finnish (super basic, just started), that counts. I feel it's crucial to be in the students' shoes to better teach them and recommend resources, habits, and techniques that actually work.
My teaching methods include a lot of input through listening, texts, followed by guided practice based on the material. Grammar is taught in a complimentary way, but the main focus is input and communication. I follow CEFR topic order so that students can see how their knowledge scaffolds along.
The materials are picked from the internet depending on the student's needs and interests, be they work, travel, study, or just for fun. I like to include videos about different topics like culture, business, life hacks, news, interesting facts, science, love and relationships, among others, with intermediate/advanced students, and communicational dialogues with beginner students.
Book a trial lesson and see how you feel!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jorge is a nice teacher with a long experience, in fact, he's been teaching since 2005 in different contexts. His method is very much focused on communication and conversation, always adapting to the student's level, needs and interests (his classes can deal with many different topics).
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Lisette and I live in Cape Town, South Africa.
I have had 2 years of tutoring experience in English and am currently tutoring a 5-year-old boy in the UK.
I am a certified ESL teacher after completing a 120-hour course through www.letstefl.com which is affiliated and accredited with WTEFLAC (World TEFL Accrediting Commission). This enables me to teach beginners, intermediate and advanced students.
I am very patient and believe in having a great relationship with my students, so learning revolves around trust, and making mistakes is natural! I strongly believe in motivation and praise and building your self-confidence on your English language journey. I will be with you all the way!
My learning materials depend on what lessons you require. If you are a beginner, we'll be using fun flashcards and props. I have an interactive board that I use as well as a whiteboard and playing games and checking your comprehension as we go along. Not to mention rewards and lots of fun!
For intermediate students, we can expand your basic English, learn about different pop cultures, what you are interested in, music, and social media.
If you just need basic English to shop, to use local transport or to order in a restaurant, I'll provide examples that are simple and easy to remember.
I look forward to hearing from you and any questions that you may have.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lisette is a new teacher and very happy about, being a part of coLanguage. She was well-prepared and have a wide range of learning materials for her students, with focus on young children. We can recommend Lisette as your new teacher!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Yolanda is an excellent teacher. She structures her classes like a conversation to really help with speaking and listening, but also incorporates grammatical information. She also incorporates homework that allows you to practice reading and writing. All around excellent teacher whose teaching methodology works perfect for me!
Yolanda C.
![]()
Thank you, it is amazing to have a student as you! Thanks!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a CELTA certified Teacher of English and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. I have a vast experience teaching General English, preparation for Cambridge exams-, pronunciation, speaking and developing writing skills. I have been teaching for over 18 years to students of different age ranges (young learners and adults at universities, middle and high school and academies.
What I love most about teaching is that I get to help students and make them see how beautiful this language is and how they can make it useful for their academic and professional lives. Another good point is that we can learn from each other and the opportunity to plan every class in a different way.
I think I can tailor your lessons according to your needs so, do not hesitate and contact me.
See you soon,
Armando
Asimismo, poseo Diploma de la Universidad Central de Venezuela en Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera y experiencia en el área docente. Soy un empedernido estudioso de la lengua española y de sus pecularidades.
Disfruto el escribir crónicas en este idioma y tengo a disposición recursos para ayudarte a desarrollar destrezas en la lengua de Cervantes.
Espero podamos trabajar juntos,
Armando
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Armando is a very friendly and competent teacher. I had a great time talking to him and can surely recommend him as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone! My name is Ivana and I have Master's degree in teaching both English and German. I have been teaching for the past 10 years as well as working as a TV journalist and Croatian voice over actor. As you can see from the description above, I have a broad field of interests but the love for my mother tongue, Croatian, always remains the same. If you would like to master it, I can help you. My approach and teaching methods will vary, depending on your knowledge level. But I assure you that the lessons you take will be well structured and address your needs.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ivana is a very open and communicative teacher who will help you improve your English and Croatian skills. With more than 15 years of teaching experience, she knows what is important and can help you with your problems. You will get an exciting and interesting lesson, so don't hesitate and book your first lesson with Ivana now!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, my name is Alejandro!
I am a native Spanish speaker from Caracas, Venezuela. I have been teaching Spanish for more than five years, and I am an honest, considerate and friendly person. Also, I have experience teaching people of all ages and levels. Furthermore, I am here to tailor to your needs and help you to improve your language proficiency, our sessions can focus on any of the language skills, especially conversation which is my primary focus to help students.
If you want to become more fluent in speaking, increase your vocabulary and pronunciation, start a lesson with me!
I speak English (Level C1) therefore, this language could be of help during the lesson if we need it. Since I am a Philosophy student, I am especially qualified to help you develop your academic writing skills and, if you are also interested, I could teach you Philosophy while we speak Spanish.
If you have any questions or concerns please message me and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alejandro is a smiling and nice person. He's also a great Spanish teacher to beginner as advanced with great teaching materials ! Students could learn Spanish grammar and vocabulary by attractive pictures, discussions and exercises ! Moreover Alejandro creates his own Spanish courses based on students level and demands !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone! I'm Federica and I'm a Certified Italian teacher with over 3 years of experience.
I live in Rome and I teach with patience and enthusiasm because I love Italian language and culture and I always try to share this love in my lessons.
I adjust my method according to my students needs and I try to encourage students to express themselves.
Book a trial lesson to discuss your learning needs and goals! I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Federica is an excellent native Italian teacher. She is very professional and her learning materials are based on student's needs and goals.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am originally from Vancouver, B.C., but I live in Peru now because I love sunshine. I am a very experienced teacher, as you can see in my resume, and yet I am still having a lot of fun. My teaching philosophy is to love teaching so that students will love learning. Bringing joy to the classroom is what it’s all about.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Amana is a very open-minded and dedicated English teacher. She has been giving lessons for a long time and you can see how much she cares about teaching English. Her lessons are individually adapted to the students wants and needs in order to achieve their goals in the best possible way. Also in teaching online she could already gain a lot of experience and is therefore perfectly prepared for it. Don't wait any longer and book your first lesson with Amana now!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Allisha. I am 34 years old and I am from South Africa. I am a qualified TEFL teacher. I am also qualified in TEYL, which is teaching English to young leaners. Having both these qualifications makes it easy for me to interact with students from any age group. I am the process of registering to study towards a degree in early childhood development and I am also looking to further my studies in higher certificate in Education - senior phase and intermediate phase. My interests are reading, sport, going on adventures, dancing and learning about other countries and their diverse cultures.
In my spare time I volunteer at animal shelters. My passion is teaching, I have had the most memorable experiences in my years of teaching.
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.
Helping each student reach their goal is my ultimate goal. I belive that the way a student is taught impacts how they remember, in saying that, my way of doing this is at the comfort of my student
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Allisha is a very experienced and motivated teacher. The lessons are structured based on the students needs and level and the learning material is very clear and interactive.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Fabrizio is involved in his job. His courses are very structured and complete. Students learn grammar with some texts and pictures, practice it with exercises and then have vocabulary sheets.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I was born and raised in Korea, and I have 6+ years of teaching experience in several different countries. Through such teaching experience, therefore, my teaching methods have been developed, constantly enhanced, and customised for each student’s objectives and goals. Apart from four basic communicative elements such as listening, reading, writing and speaking, other additional activities will also be provided to improve your Korean with me.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Suna is a prepared and experienced teacher. She is willing to take care of her students' different needs and requests, always guiding them through their learning process. Of course, she also provides her students with the learning materials they need. She provides a complete and efficient learning experience.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am teacher of classical philology with a 17 year old experience for preparing students for greek university exams and degrees for Greek language. I am tutor and I work has freelance teacher.
I teach with new methods using books with quality and using monthly tests and mock exams verified by the Official Organisation of the exams.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mira is an experienced teacher ! She prepares students before entering to the university. She teaches to teenagers and adults. Students can learn Greek by comprehension exercises, grammar lessons and vocabulary ! Moreover Mira is a nice person, students will be in confidence with her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Gisèle is a French teacher since more than 5 years. She teaches to students in group or individually. Foreign student or French student can ask Gisèle's help for an examen or just to remember them their French grammar. She uses many learning tools as texts, audios, role-playing games, videos, images, conversations and books in order to work pronunciation, grammar, conjugation and speaking. I recommend her !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I met Claudia and she is very nice and motivated to learn Spanish with me. Everything went smoothly and Claudia has very good English. Thank you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elsa is a really nice and sweet teacher. She has experience with every kind of student, but especially with children. She will adapt the classes to the students' different levels and needs, and she will provide all the learning materials they might need.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials