Consonants Part 3 (R–Z)

In this final consonants lesson, we cover the letters R, RR, S, T, V, W, X, Y, and Z. This group includes the famous Spanish rolled r, which is often considered the most challenging sound for English speakers.

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R — Two Sounds: Tap and Trill

The letter r in Spanish has two distinct pronunciations: the tap (a single, quick touch of the tongue) and the trill (a rapid vibration of the tongue). Which one you use depends on the position of the r in the word.

The Tap (Single R)

The tap is a quick, light flick of the tongue against the ridge behind the upper front teeth. It is similar to the sound Americans make for the "t" or "d" in words like "butter," "water," or "ladder" in fast speech.

Position	Sound	Examples
Between vowels	Tap	pero (but), caro (expensive), para (for)
After a consonant (except l, n, s)	Tap	tres (three), grande (big), abrir (to open)
At the end of a word	Tap	hablar (to speak), comer (to eat)