Appendix B

Pronunciation Guide

The Sound of Puerto Rican Spanish

Puerto Rican Spanish has its own rhythm and melody. These are the key differences that will help you sound authentic — or at least understand when she speaks at full speed.

S

The Aspirated 'S'

At the end of syllables, the 's' often softens into a breathy 'h' sound. It is relaxed, not sharp.

"¿Cómo estás?" sounds like "¿Cómo ehtáh?"

R

The Softened 'R'

At the end of words, the 'r' can sometimes sound like an 'l' (lambdacism) or be aspirated. It gives the accent its distinctive flow.

"Mi amor" might sound closer to "Mi amol"

D

The Intervocalic 'D'

When a 'd' sits between two vowels, it often disappears entirely, especially in endings like -ado.

"Enamorado" becomes "Enamora'o"

V

The Vowels

Spanish vowels are short, crisp, and pure. They do not 'slide' or change sound like English vowels.

A, E, I, O, U (Ah, Eh, Ee, Oh, Oo)