Exception to the Rule

Yesterday we began learning the fundamentals of the Spanish language...the alphabet.  We began with the Spanish vowels because they are easy and hardly ever change their sound.  The Spanish alphabet is short and tense.  Let's review!


a = ah...Always "ah", as in words like "chica and nacho. 


e = eh..Always "eh", as in words like dinero.


i =  ee...Always "ee", as in words like señorita.


o = oh...Always "oh", as in words like mucho.


u = oo...Almost always "oo", as in words like mucho.


Notice I said that the Spanish letter "u" ALMOST always sounds like "oo".  There is an exception to this rule.  Don't worry, I'll take it slow and we'll review often.  


Ok, most of the time the Spanish letter "u" will follow the basic sound of "oo", as in words like mucho, however notice that the letter is between 2 consonants.  When the word has "qui", "que", "gui", or "gue", the letter "u" will fade into the background and become silent.   Let's look at some examples using some Spanish words and phrases that you're already familiar with.

Take the following question: 

¿Qué pasa? >>>>>>>>"que">>>>>>>>>>"eh" sound

Notice that the "u" is paired with an "e", yet you don't hear the "oo" sound at all.  The only sound you hear is the "eh" sound from the "e".  

Have you ever read this book?

Don Quijote >>>>>>"qui">>>>>>>>>>>"ee" sound

Notice that the "u" is paired with an "i", yet you don't hear the "oo" sound at all.  The only sound you hear is the "ee" sound from the "i".  

This same concept holds true for words that contain "g" plus "ue" or "ui", like in words such as:

guitarra           OR         guerra

You're doing great!  

Now, there are certain instances when the “u”, when combined with “gu + e” or “gu + i ” is not silent: it must be pronounced. We must pronounce the “u” when there are 2 dots over the letter "u" called a dieresis (ü).  

Examples include:

bilingüe                         güiro

Whew!  I know that learning all this information can be a little overwhelming, but don't worry.  We will review often.  Be sure to review the information you've just learned on a regular basis.  

Remember that practice makes improvement!