U

Spanish Vowel

The Spanish letter U has some unique characteristics.

1. U is normally pronounced "oo."

Por ejemplo…

cuchara		spoon
usted		you (formal)
uno		one
champú		shampoo

2. In terms of syllable division, U is a weak vowel:

guasón		boring
aula		classroom

 Note that when U diphthongs with other vowels, it sounds like an English W, which means that the letters cu followed by a vowel sound like qu in English.

cuidado		careful
cuando		when

3. In terms of consonant pronunciation, U is a hard vowel:

cuchara		spoon
mucho gusto		my pleasure

(a) Between G and a soft vowel, U is normally silent.

guisantes		peas
guía telefónica		phone book

  When U does need to be pronounced, it needs a dieresis.

vergüenza		shame
lingüística		linguistics

(b) When a C or G needs to be pronounced "hard" in front of a soft vowel, the letter U plays a role – see 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.

 Related lessons

• Vowels
• Spanish alphabet
   

 En français

• La lettre u
   

 In italiano

• La lettera u
   

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