Chapter 3.1- pronunciation - the letters c and z

Pronunciation - The letters C and Z

The letter C in Spanish has two different sounds depending on what letters follow the C.

• If a C is followed by an A, O, or U, then it will sound like the C in the English words cat, cot, and cut. Examples of common words are casa, como, cuesta.

• If the letter C is followed by an E or I, then Spanish speakers from Latin America will pronounce the C like the letter S in English. Spanish speakers from Spain will make the C sound like the "th" sound in the English word thought or thanks. Common words with a CE or CI letter combination are cena, centígrados, centavo, cine, cinco.

The letter Z in words such as zapatos, zoológico, or zorro will be pronounced differently by Latin American speakers and those from Spain. In Latin America, the Z will sound like an S, while in Spain, the "th" sound is used for the letter Z.