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.
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