In Spanish, we have the same five vowels as in English. The difference is that in Spanish, vowels always sound the same—no matter the word. Let’s take a look:

 

  • A
  • E
  • I
  • O
  • U

The Letter M

“M” sounds just like in English. When combined with vowels, the sound stays consistent:

  • MA
  • ME
  • MI
  • MO
  • MU

Practice Words: MA – ME – MI – MO – MU

MA ME MI MO MU
mamá mesa mimo mono muro
manta melón mil morena muelle

THE LETTER P

 In Spanish, the “P” sound is softer than in English. Similar to the Spanish “P”, it doesn’t produce a puff of air.
You can test this by placing a piece of paper in front of your mouth while pronouncing it — if the paper doesn’t move, you’re doing it right!

 

  • PA
  • PE
  • PI
  • PO
  • PU

Practice Words: PA – PE – PI – PO – PU

PA PE PI PO PU
papá pelota pico poco puma
pato peine pino pollo pulpo

THE LETTER T

The letter “T”, like the letter “P”, doesn’t release a strong burst of air when pronounced in Spanish. Try holding a piece of paper in front of your mouth again— if you’re saying it the Spanish way, the paper should barely move.

 

  • TA
  • TE
  • TI
  • TO
  • TU

Practice Words: TA – TE – TI – TO – TU

TA TE TI TO TU
taza teléfono tigre tomate tumba
taco tina topo tubo

Let’s try and read out loud. Record yourself and then compare with the audio 🙂

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