Spanish · Difficult words
How to pronounce niño in Spanish
niño
Child
Latin American Spanish · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
niño is pronounced /ˈniɲo/ in Spanish. In niño: Raise the middle of the tongue to make one “ny”-like consonant. Connect it to the surrounding vowels. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in niño
The reference transcription for niño is /ˈniɲo/. 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.The ñ sound /ɲ/
In niño: Raise the middle of the tongue to make one “ny”-like consonant. Connect it to the surrounding vowels.
Watch out: Do not pronounce ñ as plain n or add a separate y syllable.
2.A steady /o/ vowel
In niño: 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 niño: 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
Ese niño juega con la pelota.
That boy is playing with the ball.
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 niño. 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 niño
How do you pronounce niño?
niño is pronounced /ˈniɲo/ in Spanish. In niño: Raise the middle of the tongue to make one “ny”-like consonant. Connect it to the surrounding vowels. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In niño: Raise the middle of the tongue to make one “ny”-like consonant. Connect it to the surrounding vowels. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
