1. Portuguese alphabet
There are 26 letters in the Portuguese alphabet:
k, w, and y are letters that weren't originally included in Portuguese.
2. Vowels
3. Consonants
1) Unambiguous consonants
Most consonants are always pronounced the same way regardless of their position within the word.
*Note: in Portuguese, "p" and "t" are unaspirated, like "p" in "spot" and "t" in "stop".
2) Variable consonants
① Some consonants change their pronunciation depending on their position within the word.
*Note: [k] is unaspirated, like "k" in "skip".
② d/t
There are instances when "d"/"t" pronunciation changes from the usual [d]/[t] to [dʒ]/[tʃ].
③ r
The pronunciation of the letter "r" also depends on its position within the word.
a. Generally speaking, "r" makes a rolled [R] sound at the beginning of the word. However, nowadays many native speakers tend to pronounce it as [h] instead, making it less challenging for people who can't roll their R's.
b. The double "rr" also makes either a rolled [R] or a [h] sound.
c. When the letter "r" is not at the beginning of the word, it is pronounced as a single-flap [r].
④ s/x
The letters "s"/"x" come with many pronunciation rules. Here are the most common ones:
Congratulations! Now you're ready to start your first Portuguese lesson! Or, if you want, you can read on and find out more about Portuguese pronunciation from the Extended Reading section below :)
Extended reading
1. e/o
① In some cases, the letter "e" will be pronounced as [i];
② In some cases, the letter "o" will be pronounced as [u].
2. Nasal vowels
In some cases, Portuguese vowels will be nasalized:
Note: Don't close your mouth when pronouncing the final "m".
3. Letter combinations
"Letter combinations" in Portuguese, similar to English, refers to the grouping of two or more letters that often make a unique sound.
① Common letter combinations:
② gu/qu:
*Note: [k] and [kw] are unaspirated, like "k" in "skip".