Language
Spanish
Unit
Semiconsonantes
IPA
/j/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for semiconsonantes - /j/.

Quick tip

Glide quickly from these sounds into the following vowel.

Letters and IPA

Letters

y

/j/

Practice words

  • yo

  • ayer

  • mayor

  • playa

  • rey

Minimal pairs

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

How to produce this sound

The /j/ sound is like the 'y' in 'yes'. Place the middle of your tongue close to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth, and let the air flow smoothly.

Common mix-ups

  • yo / lló
  • mayo / mallo
  • rey / rei
  • playa / plalla
  • haya / halla

Closest comparison

yes, yellow, yoga, youth, yard

Keep exploring

Previous Semiconsonantes Descripción general Semiconsonantes Next Semiconsonantes - /w/ Semiconsonantes