Spanish · Difficult words
How to pronounce hoy in Spanish
hoy
Today
Latin American Spanish · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
hoy is pronounced /ˈoi/ in Spanish. In hoy: 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 hoy
The reference transcription for hoy is /ˈoi/. 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 hoy: 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.A steady /o/ vowel
In hoy: 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”.
3.Front-vowel position
In hoy: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.
Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.
Hear it in context
Hoy no trabajo.
I don't work today.
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 hoy. 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 hoy
How do you pronounce hoy?
hoy is pronounced /ˈoi/ in Spanish. In hoy: 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 hoy: 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.
