Pronunciation Lesson 19
Strong Vowels
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Which are the strong vowels?
The strong vowels in Spanish are A, E and O. Obviously, this leaves U and I being the weak ones.
When one vowel is by itself, it makes no difference if it is strong or weak; t will make its own sound and the normal rules for emphasis will apply.
When two or more vowels appear next to each other, however, we need to know which ones are weak or strong.
What happens when two strong vowels are together?
When two strong verbs appear side-by-side, each one gets its own syllable; the vowels will not blend together. Listen and repeat:
- Caer
- Rafael
- Pelea
- Leal
- Lee
- Veo
- Canoa
- Cráneo
- Trae
Practice Sentences
Repeat each sentence after you hear it. After saying all of the sentences, do the activity once more.
Creo que la proa cae en la marea.
(I believe the prow falls in the tide.)
En el caos, Balboa pasea en el férreo.
(In the chaos, Balboa walks on the railroad track.)