Pronunciation Lesson 5

The Letter O

How do you pronounce it?

O can make an interesting variety of sounds in Englihs:

  • Fold          (oh)
  • Cot             (ah)
  • Women     (ih)
  • Word         (er)
  • Wonder    (uh)
  • Coffee       (awe)
  • Food         (ew)
  • Wood        (??)

Thank goodness for the simplicity of Spanish vowels! In Spanish, the letter O always makes an “Oh” sound. This is the sound we make in the words soda and boast.

Practice Words

Here are some words with good O sounds to practice. Listen to the recording, and say the words just like you hear them. Practice this at least twice.

  • Honor
  • Coloco
  • Poco
  • Dolor
  • Contra
  • Codo
  • Cobro
  • Donde
  • Como
  • Otro

Practice Sentences

Now it’s time to practice some sentences that emphasize the O sound. You will hear it twice at the beginning; listen carefully before you say it yourself. After the second time, then say it yourself, just the way you heard it. You will hear it once more, and say it once more.

Voy al doctor con dolor del codo.

(I go to the doctor with elbow pain.)

 

El cómico mono tomó otro coco de oro.

(The funny monkey took another golden coconut.)