How do you phonetically pronounce words such as llamar?

Question

I've noticed looking at today's word of the day (llamar - to call; to summon, to beckon, to attract) that ll is quite common in the Spanish language and was wondering how you pronounce it?

Answer 1

I pronounce it with a "y" because that's what I learned from my Mexican and Guatemalan tutors.

I have heard it pronounced with an English "j," especially with a word like "la llave."

People in Argentina say it more with an English "sh" and those in Spain say it a bit differently.

What it comes down to --- It all depends on which accent you'd like to use.

Answer 2

Hola, Samian,

If you want to hear it pronounced, type "llamar" into the "translate" box at the very top of the page and click on "translate".

You will then see an image of a little megaphone -- activate the sound on your computer, click on the megaphone, and a voice will pronounce it for you!

Answer 3

In English, it is between the sounds "y", "j", and "ch".