q sounds like k. but if u follows it, the u is usually silent.
r is rolled or trilled except between two vowels where it is very soft.
rr is heavily rolled or trilled.
x between vowels, sounds like guttural h for example Oaxaca.
y alone is pronounced ee.
z pronounced like an s.
Here are a few words to get you started in understanding Spanish. The cap-
ital letters are emphasized. For example, hello is spelled hola, but pronounced
OHlah.
Good morning
buenos dias
bway-nos DEE-ahs
Good afternoon
buenas tardes
bway-nas TAR-des
Good evening
buenas noches
bway-nas NO-ches
Hello
hola
OH-lah
Goodbye
adiós
ah-de-OHS
Friend
amigo
ah-ME-go
Thank you
muchas gracias
MOO-chas GRAH-see-ahs
You're welcome
de nada
de-NAH-da
Sir (mister)
señor
say-nyor
Miss
señorita
sayn-yohr-EE-tah
Madam(Mrs.)
señora
say-NYORE-ah
Yes
si
see
No
no
no
Excuse me
con permiso
cone-PEAR-meeso
Please
por favor
pohr-fah-BOAR
I'm Sorry
disculpame
dees-KOOL-pah-may
Pardon
perdon
PEAR-doan
Go ahead (pass)
adelante
ADD-de-lahn-tay
What's your name?
Como se llama
CO-mo-say-ya-MA
My name is...
me llamo...
may-YA-mo...
Nice to meet you
mucho gusto
MOO-cho-GOOS-toe
How are you?
Como esta usted
CO-mo-es-TAH-oo-STED
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