When Spanish speakers learn English, we often make a crucial mistake: reading words as if they were Spanish. This leads to mispronunciation. For example:
- busy we read as "busi", but it's actually pronounced /ˈbɪzi/
- island we read as "island", but the 's' is silent: /ˈaɪ.lənd/
To avoid these errors, the English dictionary with IPA is the clearest and most precise tool available.
What is IPA?
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a system of symbols that represent sounds, not letters. This means that regardless of how a word is spelled, IPA shows you exactly how to pronounce it.
Examples:
- name → /neɪm/ (not pronounced "namé")
- hotel → /hoʊˈtel/ (stress is on "tel")
Why IPA is Essential for Spanish Speakers
In Spanish, we almost always read as we write. In English, we don't. IPA helps us:
- Place stress correctly on the right syllable
- Recognize sounds that don't exist in Spanish, like /æ/ in "cat" or /θ/ in "think"
- Avoid common errors like reading "school" as "escul"
How to Read IPA in a Dictionary: Step by Step
- Look up the word in a reliable dictionary (Cambridge, Oxford, Merriam-Webster)
- Find the phonetic transcription between slashes: /wɜːrd/
- Notice the (ˈ) symbol that marks stress. Example: hotel → /hoʊˈtel/
- Listen to the audio and compare with the symbols
- Repeat several times until it sounds natural
Interactive Table: Most Difficult IPA Sounds for Spanish Speakers
Problematic Vowels
Sound /æ/: Like an open "a" between Spanish "a" and "e". Your jaw must drop much more than in Spanish.
Sound /ɪ/: Short "i", briefer than Spanish "i". Don't elongate the sound.
Sound /iː/: Long "i", like saying "seeee". Hold the sound longer.
Sound /ʌ/: Like a mix between "a" and "o". Short and relaxed sound.
Sound /ʊ/: A short "u", not as strong as in Spanish.
Difficult Consonants
Sound /θ/: Stick your tongue between your teeth. Like Spanish "z" but with tongue out.
Sound /ð/: Like a soft "d" with tongue between teeth.
Quick IPA Sound Reference Guide
Difficult Vowels for Spanish Speakers
🔸 /æ/ - cat /kæt/
Like an open "a" between Spanish "a" and "e". Drop your jaw much more.
🔸 /ɪ/ - sit /sɪt/
Short "i", briefer than Spanish "i". Don't elongate the sound.
🔸 /iː/ - seat /siːt/
Long "i", like saying "seeee". Hold the sound longer.
🔸 /ʌ/ - cup /kʌp/
Like a mix between "a" and "o". Short and relaxed sound.
🔸 /ʊ/ - book /bʊk/
A short "u", not as strong as Spanish "u".
Problematic Consonants
🔸 /θ/ - think /θɪŋk/
Stick your tongue between your teeth. Like Spanish "z" but with tongue out.
🔸 /ð/ - this /ðɪs/
Like a soft "d" with tongue between teeth.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Pronunciation
1. Don't read English like Spanish
Trust the IPA. Every time you see a new word, look up its phonetic transcription.
2. Make a list of problematic words
Identify words with difficult sounds and repeat them daily.
3. Listen and repeat aloud
Combine IPA symbols with dictionary audio. Repetition is key.
4. Record yourself speaking
Compare your pronunciation with native speakers. Most phones have recording apps.
5. Practice tongue twisters with IPA
Tongue twisters help train specific mouth muscles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Ignoring stress
Incorrect: ho-TEL (like in Spanish) Correct: ho-TEL /hoʊˈtel/ (stress on second syllable)
Mistake 2: Using Spanish sounds
Incorrect: "cat" like Spanish "cat" Correct: "cat" /kæt/ with very open jaw
Mistake 3: Not distinguishing long and short vowels
Incorrect: "sit" and "seat" sound the same Correct: "sit" /sɪt/ vs "seat" /siːt/ are completely different
Recommended Resources
Dictionaries with IPA
- Cambridge Dictionary: Excellent audio and clear transcriptions
- Oxford Learner's Dictionary: Perfect for students
- Merriam-Webster: Standard American pronunciation
Useful Apps
- Sounds Pronunciation App: Specific IPA sound practice
- Forvo: Native speaker pronunciations
- Google Translate: Basic but useful audio
4-Week Practice Plan
Week 1: Get familiar with symbols
- Learn the 10 most difficult sounds for Spanish speakers
- Practice 15 minutes daily with basic words
Week 2: Practice common words
- Focus on words you use frequently
- Record yourself and compare with native audio
Week 3: Phrases and sentences
- Practice complete sentences using IPA
- Work on rhythm and intonation
Week 4: Real conversation
- Apply what you've learned in conversations
- Ask native speakers for feedback
Conclusion
Correct English pronunciation isn't learned just by reading letters: it's learned by listening, practicing, and using IPA as your map. Next time you look up a word, don't read it like Spanish: check the dictionary IPA, listen to the audio, and repeat.
IPA isn't just for linguists. It's your most powerful tool for sounding natural in English. With consistent practice and patience, your pronunciation will improve dramatically.
Remember: Each IPA symbol represents a specific sound. Master these sounds and you'll master English pronunciation.
Ready to practice? Start with the words in this guide and use IPA as your phonetic compass. Step by step, your English will sound more natural and clear.
Try our interactive pronunciation exercises where you can hear the differences and get immediate feedback on your pronunciation.