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

So what is an accent mark used for?  It’s simple! An accent mark rule is used to say “break the rule!”  Ex: examen – rule #1  examenes – following rule #1 we are completely changing the way this word is pronounced.So what happens?  An accent mark is added so you break the rule and say it the right way!  exámenes

Rule 1: vowel, n,s – second to last syllable. Rule 2: consonant- last syllable  joven  jóvenes  autobús  autobuses  (no longer needed)  lápiz  lápices  rule doesn’t work either time  Estoy comprando la blusa.  Estoy comprándola.

Rule 1: vowel, n,s – second to last syllable. Rule 2: consonant- last syllable  So what does this mean for pronouns?  Tengo que comprar la blusa para mi madre.  Tengo que comprarla para mi madre. (rule switches…no problem)  Tengo que comprársela. Whenever you add two syllables to an infinitive the vowel of the infinitive is always accented.

Rule 1: vowel, n,s – second to last syllable. Rule 2: consonant- last syllable  So what does this mean for commands?  ¡Haz la tarea!  ¡Hazla!  ¡Come la pizza!  ¡Cómela!