Spanish pronunciation: Fricativas - /β/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• beber

• vivir

• abuelo

• nieve

• saber

Minimal pairs

• beber / ver
• baca / vaca
• saber / saver
• nube / nueve
• bajo / vajo

How to produce this sound

Place your lips together softly, as if saying 'b', but let air pass through and voice it, making a sound between 'b' and 'v'.

Common mix-ups

• beber / veber
• vaca / baca
• saber / saver
• abuelo / avelo
• nieve / niebe

Closest comparison

This is a new sound in English. Closest alternative: the sound between 'b' and 'v' in 'very' or 'baby', but softer.