Spanish Consonant
The Spanish letter G can be pronounced in two different ways.
1. When the G precedes A, O, U, or a consonant, it is pronounced like a hard English g as in "gag." It may also be softened to something approaching 2, below.
Por ejemplo…
agosto | August | Similar English sound | ||
agua | water | gave | ||
galleta | cookie | go | ||
guisantes | peas | gum | ||
grande | big | glow |
2. When the G precedes an E or I, it is pronounced like a Spanish J.
None. Somewhat similar to the Parisian R, or CH in the Scottish word loch.
Por ejemplo…
gente | people | |
gigante | giant |
Also see lesson on hard and soft vowels.
Please note that this explanation is only a guideline for the Spanish that I know, which is Castilian Spanish. There are many regional variations in Spanish pronunciation.
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