Lección 2: Dígrafos y grupos consonánticos

2.1.- In Spanish there are 5 digraphs that are used to create new sounds. These are: ch, ll, rr, qu y gu, These last two you studied in the previous lesson. 

Bearing in mind that our objective is not academic classifications, but the correct learning of their uses, I will unite in the same lesson the digraphs and the so-called consonant clusters, since they have the same function.

br, bl, cr, cl, dr, fr, fl, gr, gl, pr, pl, tr, tl

In Spanish, the letter "r" can represent two different sounds: a soft sound and a rolled sound. The "rr" (a digraph) always represents the rolled sound. Here's how to use them properly:

1. "rr" for the Rolled Sound:
   Use "rr" between vowels to ensure the rolled sound is clear. For example:

   • perro (dog)

   • carro (car)

2. "r" for the Rolled Sound:
   The single "r" can also represent the rolled sound in specific cases:

   • At the beginning of a word (rápido – fast).

   • After certain consonants (l, n, s), such as in alrededor (around), enredo (tangle), and israelí (Israeli).

   • Before the consonant "n" in words like Enrique (Henry) or honra (honor). Even though the "r" is rolled in these cases, the digraph "rr" is not used.

3. Avoiding "rr":
   Never use "rr" at the beginning of a word, after a consonant, or before the consonant "n", even when the sound is rolled.

Autoevaluación