Spanish pronunciation: Fricativas - /ʝ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for fricativas - /ʝ/.

Quick tip

Let the air pass through a narrow gap, creating friction.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• yo

• ayer

• llama

• playa

• mayor

Minimal pairs

• haya / halla
• mayo / mallo
• rayo / rallo
• vaya / valla
• cayo / callo

How to produce this sound

To make /ʝ/, place your tongue close to the roof of your mouth, like for 'y' in 'yes', but add a slight friction and voice the sound.

Common mix-ups

• yo / llo
• mayo / mallo
• haya / halla
• rayo / rallo
• vaya / valla

Closest comparison

This is a new sound for English speakers. Closest alternative: 'y' in 'yes', but /ʝ/ is more friction and voiced.