Consonants Part 3 (R–Z)

In this final consonant lesson, we cover R, S, T, V, and Z — plus the important combination SC. This group includes some of the most characteristically Italian sounds, particularly the rolled r and the distinctive z.

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R — The Rolled R

The Italian r is a rolled (trilled) consonant, produced by vibrating the tip of the tongue against the ridge just behind the upper teeth (the alveolar ridge). This is one of the most recognisable features of the Italian language.

Single R

A single r is typically a brief tap — the tongue touches the ridge once, quickly.

Example Words:

• Roma (Rome) — the r is a quick tap
• caro (dear) — "KAH-roh"
• sera (evening) — "SEH-rah"
• mare (sea) — "MAH-reh"
• parlare (to speak) — "par-LAH-reh"

Double RR

A double rr is a full trill — the tongue vibrates multiple times against the ridge.

Example Words:

• carro (cart) — "KAHR-roh" (strong trill)
• terra (earth/land) — "TEHR-rah"
• guerra (war) — "GWEHR-rah"
• correre (to run) — "KOHR-reh-reh"
• birra (beer) — "BEER-rah"

R at the Beginning of a Word