argüir verb

Question

In argüir, what are the two dots above the u called and how are they

used?

Answer 1

The name of those two dots on top of the u are called diéresis in Spanish. Ü

• They are used to stop the "U" from being silent in certain words. I.E. Agüero. All Spanish words that have an e or an i after gu in a sillable, is silent. Guerra, guiso, apáguelo, etc.

Answer 2

It is called and umlaut (oohm lout (like the word loud)). These are typically used in German, but you occasionally find it in Spanish. The best way to describe the sound of the ü is that you add the wuh- into it so, argüir does not sound like "ahr - gear", its "ahr -gweer"

An easier example in the word "pingüino" (Yes, penguin) it is pronounced peen-gwee-no

Answer 3

The umlaut is the technical name for the accent mark you are asking about. It can be used for various reasons outside of Spanish.

In Spanish though, that accent is called a "diéresis". It is only used above the letter "u", and only before a soft "i" or "e" where it creates a "diphthong" (a single syllable vowel sound made from the combination of two vowels in a row) . It's purpose is to aid in pronunciation.

"üi" is pronounced like the English "we".

"üe" is pronounced somewhat like the English "weigh".

Corrections are appreciated.

Answer 4

good job kirby

Everytime I see 'hecho en Mexico' at the end of a movie I think about your avatar! - katydew, Feb 22, 2012