Spanish r vs rr: pronunciation and spelling

How it works

Understand the pattern

Between vowels, a single r is normally a quick tap, while rr marks a trill. This contrast can distinguish words: caro means expensive, while carro means car. The difference is not extra loudness; it is the number and type of tongue contacts.

At the beginning of a word, a single written r is pronounced strongly, as in rojo. A strong sound also follows l, n or s in words such as alrededor and Enrique. The spelling rr is used only between vowels.

The essentials

Three rules that clear up the confusion

1. 1

   Use a quick single tap for intervocalic r: pero, caro and arena.

2. 2

   Use the trill for intervocalic rr and for r at the beginning of a word: perro, carro and rojo.

3. 3

   Never write rr at the beginning of a Spanish word, even though the initial sound is strong.

Compare

Examples in complete sentences

Common mistakes

What to check before you answer

• 1

  Do not replace both sounds with the English r. The Spanish tap is closer to the quick middle sound many Americans use in city.

• 2

  Do not add a vowel before a difficult trill. Practise short clusters such as tra, tre, tri, tro and tru instead.