Rules for Speaking the Spanish "R"
- The Spanish language displays Arabic influences from when the Moors ruled Spain.Carolyn Taylor Photography/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
According the CIA World Factbook, about 11 percent of Americans speak Spanish, making it the second-most spoken language in the United States. English and Spanish share similarities in respect to vocabulary, as both languages feature a significant influence from Latin. However, Spanish can pose certain challenges to English speakers, especially regarding pronunciation. The Spanish "R" is pronounced different ways depending on in which part of the word it is located. - The Spanish language includes two ways for pronouncing the letter "R." Knowing which way to pronounce the "R" will depend on where in the word it is located and whether the "R" is single or double. Spanish phonology is quite consistent; once you understand the basic rules of spelling and pronunciation for Spanish, you can read any new vocabulary word and know exactly how it is pronounced.
- The first thing that confuses many in English speakers when beginning Spanish study is that both pronunciations of the letter "R" differ from that in English. "R" in Spanish can sound like an English "D" or have a rolling sound. The Spanish "R" is never pronounced in the manner it is in English, and pronouncing it in such a way will make you sound like an elementary learner or even cause misunderstanding.
- "R" in English is only pronounced one way, but mistaking the "Rs" in Spanish can change the meaning of a word. A double "R" in Spanish indicates the use of a rolled "R" sound, while a single "R" sounds more like the letter "D." For example, the word "perro" in Spanish means "dog", while "pero" means "but." Mistaking these can lead to confusion. These rules apply when the letter "R" appears in the middle or end of a word; if a Spanish word starts with a single "R," you will roll it as with the double "R."
- Though the rolling of the "R" sound comes much more naturally to native Spanish speakers, language learners can master this sound as well. The rolling sound in Spanish comes from the back of the throat rather than the front of the mouth as in English. The correct pronunciation of the roll results from the combination of the placement of the tongue and from where your breath originates. Start by keeping your jaw closed and your lips slightly open. Have the outsides of your tongue touching the roof of your mouth, so your tongue forms an upside-down bowl, with the tip of the tongue not touching your teeth. As you pronounce your "R", push the air through the back of your throat, instead of through the front of the mouth as in English, which will produce a nasally sound that you don't want when rolling a Spanish "R." Think of imitating a cat's purr, a pirate's "Arrrr" sound or any other image that will help you replicate the "R" sound.
