The alphabet in Spanish
- El alfabeto en español
Knowing the letters of the alphabet is essential because they are the basis of written and oral communication in any language. By understanding and recognizing each letter, we can read, write and form words, allowing us to express ideas, learn new knowledge and connect with others.
In addition, knowing the alphabet makes it easier to learn other languages and develop skills such as spelling and pronunciation, which are essential in daily and academic life.
Here we present the 27 letters of the Spanish alphabet
The 27 letters of the Spanish alphabet
A
a
B
be
C
ce
D
de
E
e
F
efe
G
ge
H
hache
I
i
J
jota
K
ka
L
ele
M
eme
N
ene
Ñ
eñe
O
o
P
pe
Q
cu
R
erre
S
ese
T
te
U
u
V
uve
W
uve doble
X
equis
Y
ye
Z
zeta
Other ways to call letters
The letter V (uve) is also called ve, ve corta, ve baja o ve chica.
The letter W (uve doble) is also called doble ve o ve doble.
Vocales con acento - Vowels with accent
Acento or tilde (‘) is a sign that is placed over the vowels of the Spanish alphabet. It is a small diagonal line that is written from top right to bottom left.
Á
á
É
é
Í
í
Ó
ó
Ú
ú
Written accents have three main functions within the language.
- The first is to differentiate words that would otherwise be written the same. For example más (more) and mas (but)
- The second is to identify interrogative sentences: ¿Cómo te llamas? - What is your name?
- The third function is to help indicate which syllable of the word should be stressed or emphasized when pronouncing it. In upcoming classes we will see the rules that determine when words are stressed.