Vowels:
There are 5 vowels in Italian, with 7 vowel sounds: A, E (2 sounds), I, O (2 sounds), and U.
"A" sounds like "ah" as in una banana![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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"E" can sound like "eh" as in il gelato
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or like "ay" as in la neve ![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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"I" sounds like "ee" as in una bibita![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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"O" can sound like "oh" as in la foto
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or like "aw" as in otto (8)
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"U" sounds like "oo" as in un gufo![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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When two vowels are together, each one is pronounced as in un leone
![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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"Y" is usually pronounced as in lo yogurt ![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
![](/images/vocabulary/N786s.png)
The consonants:
The Italian alphabet is the same as English and most of the sounds are the same. Note the exceptions below:
The letters J, K, W, X and Y are only used in foreign language words.
If there is a double consonant, say it more forcefully or for longer.
The letter B is said without blowing air. Put your hand in front of your mouth and say "un basco"![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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The letter "C" is pronounced like the English "K" as in il caffè![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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Unless it is followed by "E" or "i" it is pronounced as "CH" as in la cena![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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The letter "G" is pronounced as in "un gallo"![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
Unless it is followed by "E" or "i" it is pronounced as in "il gelato"![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
![](/images/vocabulary/N203s.png)
The combination "GLI" is pronounced like "lli" in the English word "million": il figlio ![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
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The combination "GN" is pronounced as "ny" like in the English word canyon: un agnello![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
![](/images/vocabulary/N187s.png)
The letter "H" is always silent.
"R" is always rolled as in il burro![sound](/images/general/playSound.png)
(Roll the r by making the brrrr sound like you are cold, then place the tip of your tongue in the roof of your mouth.)