How to pronounce “Río Grande”

Hear how “Río Grande (river on the US-Mexico border)” sounds in Spanish, then read the breakdown below.

Breakdown

Tips for English speakers

Common mistake: The final e is pronounced: REE-oh GRAHN-deh.

• The single r is a quick tap, like the "tt" in American English "butter". Don't use an English r.
• The r at the start of a word (or after n, l or s) is rolled: the tip of the tongue flutters against the roof of the mouth.
• The accent on í keeps it in its own syllable, so río has 2 syllables.
• Keep every vowel short and pure: a = "ah", e = "eh", i = "ee", o = "oh", u = "oo". No gliding.

Learn more: Spanish R and RR · Spanish vowels

Example sentences

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