The Spanish r (the regular r)
Evening my good people.
My problem is pretty simple really, I can't do the "r". Not the trilled r, but the regular r. I just can't do it, not when it's at the end of a word. Words like aprender, amar, and por. If it is supposed to sound like a soft "d" then how should it sound at the end of a word, because a "d" sound doesn't seem right. Any tips on where your tongue should be?
I keep listening to the computer voice, he sounds good, I do not.
2 Answers
It is indeed a soft "d" sound! I rebelled against making the sound especially at the end of words...but ultimately at the encouragement of various native speakers I stopped thinking with an English mind and just embraced it. Instead of placing your tongue against the back of your teeth for the " d" sound try placing the tip of your tongue slightly back from your teeth with the tip turned back. Hope this helps!
Renae is correct. Raise your tongue and just tap the roof of your mouth a little behind the front teeth, but don't make the mistake of continuing the sound. When the tongue interrupts the sound, stop. If all else fails, in your mind replace the final R with a D. You'll be a lot closer than if you try to use the English R.
