The difference between " b " and " v "

Question

This is really confusing to me i wanna know how to pronounce both of these two letters cause apparently there sounds are not only alike , but also they change according to the next letters so anybody have a helpful idea ????

Welcome to the SD forum! Please remember to use proper capitalization and punctuation in your posts. Thanks! - --Mariana--, Mar 28, 2013

Answer 1

The pronunciation varies a little bit according to region, but the rule of thumb is that they are pronounced the same, hence the question: "¿B de burro, o V de vaca?" Another rule of thumb is that either is pronounced like an English B if it begins a word or follows a certain consonants the most common probably being "m" (eg hombre), and then if it is in the middle, practice saying the "b" sound, but without closing the lips all the way, so it is softer. That will get you started, although like I said, this varies according to the country.

Answer 2

After the B, D or N you'll use a V. (obvio, advertir, envolver)
You'll use the V in every word that ends in Viro, Vira, Voro and Vora, there is only one exception: víbora.
You'll use the V in adjectives that ends in Ava, Avo, Eva, Eve, Evo, Iva there is only one exception: Árabe.

You'll use B before a L or R (Blanco, bronceado)
You'll use B when a word ends in Bilidad (habilidad, invisibilidad)
You'll use B when a word starts with Bibli (biblioteca)
You'll use B when a word ends in Bundo or Bunda (vagabundo)
All the endings of the preterit imperfect of first conjugation of indicative (Aba, Abas, Aba, Abamos, Abais, Aban) are always written with B (jugaba, cantabas)
Abs, Ob, Obs are Sub, are always written with B (absoluto, obtuso, obsceno, subterráneo).

Answer 3

It really is regional, with the V sound being more distinct from the B (in Chile) in some, and others you can hardly tell what the difference is except by context.

If it helps, it makes for some of the most common spelling mistakes amongst Spanish speaking children (and adults) learning to spell.

Answer 4

There is absolutely N O difference in the pronunciation of "B" vs. "V" in Spanish.

From spanish.about.com

The most important thing to remember about pronouncing the Spanish b and v is that in standard Spanish they are pronounced exactly alike. Although English makes a clear distinction in how the two letters are pronounced, Spanish does not.

Also, take a look here at the discussion with native speakers. "There is no difference. Period."

And here, it's said, "Wherever it is, b and v are (or should be) pronounced exactly the same. They represent the same sound."