Rolling single "r's"

Question

Two of my native speaking friends told me I should roll the "r" in "trueno." Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I agree. It's not a full out "rrrrr" roll, but a little flip of the tongue after the "t" is usual. Ask them to pronounce it for you to hear

• yes thats what I hear as well - pacofinkler Sep 1, 2011
• exactly! - unMica Sep 1, 2011

Answer 2

Depends on where you are I guess, I would definitely put a bit of a roll or trill on that "r" here in the north of Mexico.

• One of my friends is from Mexico, the other from Puerto Rico. - LaloLoco Sep 1, 2011

Answer 3

Not all "r"'s should be rolled. The "rolled" "r"'s in Spanish are only strong r's: those at the beginning of a word (ej. rojo) or when there's two rr's together in a word (ej. perro). In Spanish the letter rr does not exist in the alphabet, it's just added in there for English speakers because we do not designate a sound for strong r's. I can see how they might tell you that you should "roll" the "r" because when you say the word your tongue naturally kind of makes a roll-ey sound because it goes from the front of the pallet to the back of the pallet. I hope this helps!

• I disagree Kerri, In Spanish all "R"s are rolled to a greater or lesser degree. - pacofinkler Sep 1, 2011