How a diphthong

One of the most difficult questions to understand and internalize of the Spanish language is the division of words into syllables . Sometimes, we find words that have two vowels together, which must follow a normative separation rule. When these two vowels must be united within a single syllable, a diphthong is created . On the contrary, when the norm indicates that we must separate the two vowels in different syllables, we are facing a hiatus . To understand better this question that will help us to write without mistakes of spelling, in .com we explain in detail how a diphthong is formed .

one

The vowels are divided into two groups, according to the position of the organs of the mouth when pronouncing them:

• Weak or closed vowels those that maintain a closed position, these are " i ", " u "
• Strong or open vowels in their pronunciation keep their mouths open: " a ", " e ", " o ".

This differentiation must be very clear to understand how a diphthong is formed.

two

The first combination to form a diphthong is from a strong vowel followed by a weak vowel : ai, au, ei, eu, oi, ou; These are known as decreasing diphthongs .

• Examples: p ai sajes, stop oi co.

3

The second possible combination to form a diphthong is created by the union of a weak vowel followed by a strong vowel : ia, ie, io, ua, ue, uo. Thus the growing diphthongs are formed.

• Examples: v io leta, antig uo .

4

And the last possible combination that makes the diphthong possible is through the union of two weak vowels : iu, ui. This is known as the homogeneous diphthong .

• Examples: c iu dad, r ui do.

5

We find a total of 14 different combinations that give rise to the 14 types of diphthongs of the Castilian language.

6

On the other hand, no diphthong will be formed when two strong vowels coincide, but instead they are considered as separate syllables.

• Example: c ae r

7

Attention! Likewise, when one of the weak vowels is accentuated, there is no diphthong, it disappears and gives rise to a hiatus.

• Examples: María, l aú d

8

The "h" is silent and, therefore, the interspersed haches do not prevent the formation of diphthongs.

• Example: tr uha n

9

The "and" at the end of the word acts as an "i" and, therefore, makes possible the formation of the diphthong.

• Examples: virr ey, conv oy

10

Diphthongs follow the general accentuation rule . Of the combination, only the open vowel (a, e, o) is accentuated. In the case of homogeneous diphthongs, formed by two closed vowels, the tilde will always fall on the second of them. You can see here how to accentuate the words in Spanish correctly.

• Reading a lot will make it possible to expand well-written vocabulary.
• Be patient and careful at the time of writing and follow the rules.
• Be attentive to the rules of the Spanish language as these are modified and changed.