ACCENT RULES IN SPANISH

How are words pronounced in Spanish? There are 2 rules: 1) When a word ends in a vowel, n or s the verbal stress is placed on the second to last syllable. So when you say the word you hear the second to last syllable. Example: trabajo / nosotros / hablan 2) When a word ends in a consonant (other than n/s) you stress the last syllable. Example: trabajar / azul

What is an accent mark used for? An accent mark is used to tell you: “break the rule!” Ex: lápiz – rule #2 says it should be pronounced lapiz, but an accent mark is added so you break the rule and say it the right way! Lápiz

Rule 1: vowel, n,s – second to last syllable. Rule 2: consonant- last syllable Sometimes you add or remove an accent to keep the sound of the word: joven  jóvenes (naturally falls on o when singular, must add when plural to keep the pronunciation) autobús  autobuses (naturally falls on the u when made plural, don’t need the written accent) lápiz  lápices (never falls on the a naturally)

Sometimes accents are used to distinguish between two words: el – the él – he tú – you tu - your