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Spanish Pronunciation

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Letter d

When the Spanish "d" occurs as the first letter of a word, or after the letters "n" or "l" it is pronounced much like the English counterpart (although not exactly). Listen to these words and try to repeat them exactly:

dar

to give

glándula

gland

espalda

back

In most other instances, including when it occurs between vowels or as the last letter of a word, it is pronounced more like the English "th" sound. Again, listen to and try to repeat exactly:

lado

side

ligadura

tourniquet

anormalidad

abnormality

Here are some words with both "d" sounds. Listen and repeat.

dedo

finger

dañado

damaged

debilidad

weakness

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