How do you pronounce "e" in Spanish...like the "e" in "ten" or like "ay" in "hay"?

Question

How do you pronounce "e" in Spanish...like the "e" in "ten" or like "ay" in "hay"?

Answer 1

Mountaingirl said:

When you say "ten" and "hay" in your question, are you meaning the English pronunciation of those words, or the Spanish pronunciation?

I think he means e as in ten (in English)

Once again, I believe it depends on regional accent

I also think there's no need to confuse these people, who are learning Spanish with regional accents. In Spanish e is always e as in pen, ten or when

I've heard native speakers from different areas use different pronunciations for "e" before the letters "n" and "s"

Where? Which country? Can you give an example... I'm really curious Thank you!!

Answer 2

I believe that there is enough regional variety that there are a couple of correct answers, depending on region.

When you say "ten" and "hay" in your question, are you meaning the English pronunciation of those words, or the Spanish pronunciation?

My understanding is that it is never incorrect to pronounce the Spanish "e" as the sound in the English word "rake", although in many countries the "e" before the letters "n" and "s" is more like the sound in the English number "ten". Therefore, words like "es" and "en" would not be pronounce as the English word "ace" and whatever a made-up word like "ane" might sound like.

Once again, I believe it depends on regional accent. I've heard native speakers from different areas use different pronunciations for "e" before the letters "n" and "s"

Answer 3

Always like the "e" in "ten"