How to pronounce yo
This may seem very silly but I've just started learning. This site pronounces yo basically like it sounds in the English yo-yo. I have a Spanish cd however that pronounces it like the English Jo. Which one is correct?
9 Answers
Either way is correct. Hurray, you can choose whichever pronunciation you like better! And don't worry, most people have the own way of saying every "y" or "ll" sound, I don't think anyone will bother you about yours.
Well, I pronounce "yo" how one would say "jo" in English. And more often than not, I pronounce the "ll" the same way.
However, in some words, I pronounce the "y / ll" like the "y" sound in "yo-yo". Example: incluye (I say "eenc•cluh•yeh", not "eenc•cluh•jhe"), hallar (I would say "ay•ar" instead of "ah•jar").
But, in the verb vaya, I say "vah•jha", not "vay•ah".
All in all, it just depends on however you want to pronounce it. Sure, some Spanish speakers will correct you on how to pronounce it, but they'll be telling you to pronounce it their way (this has happened to me), but you can just choose a way to pronounce it and stick to it.
I say it as the English "y" in "yo-yo" (Latin American Spanish), but others say it with a "j" sound.
Both are correct depending on the accent. Since there are so many different Spanish speaking countries and accents, there are many pronunciations. In Spain, they would say it "jo" but in mexico it's like the English "yo". It's all okay and whichever you choose is fine.
Hi sam
Have you looked at our translation section showing videos on pronunciation. As previously suggested there is more than one way to say something as the sound varies with different countries. Click on the link below.
Both are correct. Some people pronounce their Y's and LL's like the "y" in "yo-yo" & others like a "J". It does vary. I think most people stay consistent in the sound the use (i.e., usually pronounce "y"/"ll" similar to our "y"; or usually pronounce them similar to our "j"). However, watching soaps (telenovelas), I've seen some actors switch between the sounds often using "Jo" for emphasis. Or at least, that's how it appears.
Ok, so again, either is fine. Choose the sound you like and stick with it. And if you want to change it up every so often, that's totally up to you.
Here are some links to different pronunciations:
- "Cinco de mayo" - short vid
- Other vid
- 3rd vid - pronounced "J"-like sound (Mexican region)
HTH
It seems so simple, but I think this is a great question! I was talking with someone yesterday who told me I pronounced "yo" incorrectly. I pronounced the "y" like in yo-yo, and the person with whom I spoke told me that was incorrect and I should say it like /zh/. Then I was a little hesitant to try it again! :D I told him that it's confusing since it's said differently in different places, but he didn't believe me. He told me it's said the same everywhere. By the way, this person is from Colombia. So, I'm a little confused. This doesn't answer your question, but I really appreciate the topic!
One thing to remember is that the long "o" as in an English Yo-Yo is too long in Spanish.
Shorten it a little.
It is a bit more like the "o" in hippopotamus.
As are all "o"s in Spanish
So there je je
Shakira says my name when pronouncing "yo,", i.e. "Joe"
Shakira dice mi nombre cuando pronuncia "yo," "Joe"
She is always saying she loves me!
¡Yo te amo!
