Spanish Helper

The Spanish Helper is a tool for traveller to learn a little Spanish on their way to Mexico and Latin America. Even though English is widely spoken in Mexico, this Spanish words and phrases will make you feel as part of the culture.

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Basic Pronunciation

The first thing to keep in mind is that in Spanish, unlike English, the pronunciation of vowels and letters remains the same regardless of the word they are in. Therefore, it’s easy for native speakers to understand you as a   beginner in this language.

Pronouncing vowels in Spanish is more distinct than in English. However, we have similar sounds in English that we can relate and make ourselves understood.

A: is pronounced similarly as the “a” on “father”.
I: is pronounced similarly as the “ee” in “feet” or the “e” in “me”
O: is pronounced as the “o” in “Tom” although a little briefer.
E: is pronounced as the “e” in “met”, similarly as the “eh” for Canadians.
U: is usually pronounced as the “oo” in “boot”. However, in the combinations of “gui” and “gue” as well as “qui” and “que” the “u” is silent. Example: quiero, guerra, guía.
 If “u” should be pronounced, an umlaut (two dots called dieresis) is placed over it. Example: vergüenza, lingüística

The letter y: generally “y” is pronounced as the same as it would if it were an “i”  Examples: rey, soy. However, when followed by a vowel is pronounced as the “j” in “jar”. Examples: yo, yacer, yema.

   Letters are basically all pronounced as in English except for the following cases:

Letter CH: This is a letter in the Spanish alphabet. It is similarly pronounced as “ch” in “choice”, although a little briefer.

Letter G: is pronounced as “g” in “goat” when followed by “ a, o, u, ui, ue”. Example: Gato, goma, Guerra. When followed by “i, e”  the letter “g” is pronounced as “h” in “hat”. Examples: gitana, género.

Letter H: “h” in Spanish is silent. However, the combination “ch” is pronounced as in English “ch” in “charming”.

Letter J: is pronounced as “h” in “heat”.

Letter LL: This is a letter in the Spanish alphabet. It is similarly pronounced as “j” in “joy”. Example: lluvia, llamar

Letter Ñ: This is a letter in the Spanish alphabet. It is similarly pronounced as if we combined “gn” in the French word “mignon”. Example: niño, años.

Letter Q: the letter “q” in Spanish will always be followed by “ui” or “ue” and is pronounced as “k” in “kiosk”. Examples: queso, quinta.

Letter V: is pronounced in Latin America as the letter “B”. However, in Spain this letter is pronounced as English “v” in “van”.

Letter Z: is pronounced as “s” in “soap”. Example: zapato, zorro.

Learn a little Spanish on your way to Mexico! Click on each topic to help you get started..

CLICK EACH TOPIC FOR WORDS AND PHRASES IN SPANISH / ENGLISH

 

Spanish Helper
In the Airport In the Hotel At the Restaurant/Bar In the Beach Meeting People	Driving and Walking Around Shopping Help/MedicalCare Numbers/Números