The letter d can sound less closed between vowels than at the start of a phrase.
The idea
Between vowels, /d/ is often pronounced as an approximant [ð̞]: the tongue approaches the upper teeth without a full stop.
Examples
- Cada mesa tiene un número.Each table has a number.
- Me duele el dedo.My finger hurts.
- No queda nada.Nothing remains.
- Necesito ayuda con la caja.I need help with the box.
- La comida está lista.The food is ready.
- El helado está frío.The ice cream is cold.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Spanish device voice is available. You can still read the text.
Watch out
In some informal speech the sound weakens further, especially in -ado, but standard spelling keeps the d.
Try it yourself
Choose the word containing d between vowels. (dedo / diente)
Show answer or example answer
dedo
Dedo has d between e and o as well as an initial d.
Choose the word containing d between i and a. (comida / canto)
Show answer or example answer
comida
Comida has d between i and a.
Choose the word containing d between a and o. (helado / aldea)
Show answer or example answer
helado
Helado has d between a and o.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the word containing d between vowels. (dedo / diente)
Choose the word containing d between i and a. (comida / canto)
Choose the word containing d between a and o. (helado / aldea)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results in your account.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Identify words in which d appears between two vowels and read the examples aloud.