Spanish c: Pronunciation and Uses15

The letter "c" in Spanish can be pronounced in two different ways, depending on the vowel that follows it. Before the vowels "a", "o", and "u", it is pronounced like the English "k". For example, the words "casa" (house), "coche" (car), and "culo" (bottom) are pronounced "kah-sa", "koh-che", and "koo-loh".

Before the vowels "e" and "i", the letter "c" is pronounced like the English "s". For example, the words "ceja" (eyebrow), "cine" (cinema), and "cita" (date) are pronounced "seh-ha", "see-neh", and "see-tah".

There are a few exceptions to these rules. For example, the letter "c" is always pronounced like the English "k" in the words "kilo" (kilometer) and "kilo" (a thousand). Additionally, the letter "c" is pronounced like the English "s" in the words "ciencia" (science) and "cebolla" (onion).

The letter "c" can also be used to form the consonant cluster "ch". This cluster is pronounced like the English "ch" in the word "cheese". For example, the words "chico" (boy), "muchacho" (young man), and "coche" (car) are pronounced "chee-koh", "moo-chah-choh", and "koh-cheh".

Here are some additional tips for pronouncing the letter "c" in Spanish:
When the letter "c" is followed by a consonant, it is usually pronounced like the English "k". For example, the words "acto" (act), "octavo" (eighth), and "contacto" (contact) are pronounced "ak-toh", "ok-tah-voh", and "kon-tak-toh".
When the letter "c" is followed by a diphthong (a combination of two vowels), it is usually pronounced like the English "s". For example, the words "ceja" (eyebrow), "cien" (one hundred), and "cuidado" (careful) are pronounced "seh-ha", "see-en", and "kwee-dah-doh".
The letter "c" is never pronounced like the English "c" in Spanish. For example, the word "casa" (house) is not pronounced "kay-sa".

With a little practice, you will be able to pronounce the letter "c" in Spanish correctly.

2024-12-31

Previous：The Spanish Cloud: A Digital Platform for Spanish Learners

Next：Spanish Pronunciation: Mastering the Letter “c“