Pronunciation Lesson 26
The Letter D
In the beginning or middle
The letter D typically makes a TH sound in Spanish. At the beginning of a word this sound is subtle, and sounds almost identical to the English D. Listen and repeat:
DelfĂn, Dolor, Dirigir, Dormir, Dinero
In the middle of a word, the TH is much softer, like the sound we make in “Father.” Listen and repeat:
Cuidar, Ayuda, Cordero, Madre, Morder
What about at the end of words?
When a D comes at the end of a word it makes an extremely light TH sound. Often it is just left out entirely! Listen carefully and repeat each word:
La mitad, Venid, Vanidad, Amistad, Soledad, Prosperidad.
Practice Sentences
Repeat each sentence after you hear it. After saying all of the sentences, do the activity once more.
El escudero demanda la verdad y pierde la amistad.
(The squire demands the truth and loses the friendship.)
Se mide la enfermedad en Madrid con miedo.
(One measures the sickness in Madrid with fear.)