Spanish · Difficult words
How to pronounce hora in Spanish
hora
Time
Latin American Spanish · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
hora is pronounced /ˈoɾa/ in Spanish. In hora: 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.
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Find the sounds in hora
The reference transcription for hora is /ˈoɾa/. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. 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 hora: 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 hora: 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.A steady /o/ vowel
In hora: Round the lips and keep the tongue toward the back for a steady /o/. Follow the length indicated in the transcription.
Watch out: Avoid automatically turning a single /o/ into the moving vowel of English “go”.
4.An open vowel
In hora: Open the jaw for the a-like vowel shown in the IPA. Keep it continuous and follow the recording’s tongue position.
Watch out: Do not substitute the English diphthong in “day”.
Hear it in context
¿Qué hora es?
What time is it?
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 hora. 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 hora
How do you pronounce hora?
hora is pronounced /ˈoɾa/ in Spanish. In hora: 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 hora: 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.
