Spanish · Difficult words
How to pronounce derecho in Spanish
derecho
Straight ahead
Latin American Spanish · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
derecho is pronounced /deˈɾet͡ʃo/ in Spanish. In derecho: The h in this reference does not add a separate consonant. Connect the sounds shown in the IPA smoothly. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
Find the sounds in derecho
Read derecho in these IPA segments: de · ˈɾet͡ʃo. Dots and stress marks identify the boundaries shown in the reference; these symbols are not English spelling. The mark /ˈ/ comes immediately before the main stressed syllable. Give that syllable a little more prominence without swallowing the others.
1.A written h without a separate sound
In derecho: The h in this reference does not add a separate consonant. Connect the sounds shown in the IPA smoothly.
Watch out: Do not add an English h breath merely because h appears in the spelling.
2.The tapped r /ɾ/
In derecho: Make one quick tongue-tip contact behind the upper teeth, then move on.
Watch out: Do not prolong this into a trill when the IPA shows a single tap.
3.The ch sound /tʃ/
In derecho: Make one joined “ch” consonant and continue directly into the vowel.
Watch out: Do not split ch into two syllables or read it as k.
4.A steady /e/ vowel
In derecho: Keep the tongue toward the front and sustain a single /e/ vowel. Listen for its exact height in the recording.
Watch out: English “ay” often ends with a glide; do not automatically carry that glide into this vowel.
Hear it in context
Sigue derecho dos cuadras.
Keep straight ahead two blocks.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
This guide uses a Latin American Spanish model for derecho. In Spain and other regions, individual consonants may differ. The linked reference records the source transcription; the audio provides one consistent practice model.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about derecho
How do you pronounce derecho?
derecho is pronounced /deˈɾet͡ʃo/ in Spanish. In derecho: The h in this reference does not add a separate consonant. Connect the sounds shown in the IPA smoothly. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In derecho: The h in this reference does not add a separate consonant. Connect the sounds shown in the IPA smoothly. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
