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2 Answers
Here is an idea for you;
Pronounce the word "tray" in English. Say it a few times, noticing how your mouth sort of forms a tight "o" as you make the combination "tr" sound.
Let's switch to the word "tres" in Spanish. When you make the "tr" sound, your mouth should not be in the tight "o" shape. It should be in a broad smile, since the "e" will require that mouth shape. Put your tongue on the back of your upper teeth for the "t" sound. (Your tongue will actually be slightly visible between your upper and lower teeth - not sticking out, but slightly peeking out.) To make the r" sound, let your tongue bounce lightly off the roof of your mouth directly behind your upper teeth.
Keep your tongue loose. In English we put a lot of muscle tension into our tongues to make the "tr" sound. In Spanish the tongue is not curled and it is looser.
The most important thing is to be sure to not worry about this. It's important to try to pronounce as properly as possible, but Spanish speakers are very forgiving, and if a Spanish language learner makes any attempt at correct pronunciation, it will be received with a welcoming attitude.
This is a drawing of you pronouncing the word "tres"!
Try this trabalengua (tonguetwister). Tres tristes tigres tragaban trigo en tres tristes platos en un trigal tres tristes tigres. Say this five ,ten times a day for a week or so,more if you want. I learned to roll my rr's with a trabalengua,and am now working on tres tristes tigres........ Buena suerte.
