Why sometimes I hear "V" as "vee" and sometimes as "bee"

Question

vowels

*Why do I sometimes hear v and sometimes b?* - Sabor, Apr 20, 2011

Please remember to use proper capitalization and spelling in your posts...we have students of English here on the forum. - --Mariana--, Apr 20, 2011

P.s. The letters "B" and "V" are not vowels. - --Mariana--, Apr 20, 2011

Answer 1

Hi, Magdy, welcome to the forum.

Yes, sometimes you'll think that you hear a "v" in Spanish, but it's really just a soft "b" that passes through the lips. There is never a "v" in Spanish where you put your teeth against your bottom lip, as in "Valerie."

Until you learn the subtle differences in how to pronounce the letters "b" and "v," which will only come by listening very closely to native speakers, just use the "b" sound for both the "v" and "b."

Trust me: There is no "v" sound in Spanish.

When you're ready, read Lazarus' article on How Spanish Letters Sound and practice, practice, practice.

thank you - magdy1990, Apr 20, 2011

Answer 2

Why some times I hear (v) as ve and some times as ( be)?

There are regional differences in pronunciation, and the surrounding sounds always have an effect on the B sound, so it is likely that it gets close to a V at times. However, the standard pronunciation does not include the V sound... yet.

By the way, be careful with your spelling. There are people learning English here too.

so in spanish how i can say (v) vee like english or bee as i reard - magdy1990, Apr 20, 2011