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 bananashow
"E" can sound like "eh" as in il gelato,
or like "ay" as in la neve show
"I" sounds like "ee" as in una bibitashow
"O" can sound like "oh" as in la foto,
or like "aw" as in otto (8)show
"U" sounds like "oo" as in un gufoshow
When two vowels are together, each one is pronounced as in un leone
show
"Y" is usually pronounced as in lo yogurt
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"
show
The letter "C" is pronounced like the English "K" as in il caffè,
Unless it is followed by "E" or "i" it is pronounced as "CH" as in la cenashow
The letter "G" is pronounced as in "un gallo" Unless it is followed by "E" or "i" it is pronounced as in "il gelato"
The combination "GLI" is pronounced like "lli" in the English word "million": il figlio show
The combination "GN" is pronounced as "ny" like in the English word canyon: un agnello
The letter "H" is always silent.
"R" is always rolled as in il burro(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.)