Skip to content

Spanish loanwords

Two Spanish rules explain most of these: ll sounds like y (tortilla, quesadilla) and j sounds like a breathy h (jalapeno, fajita). The tilde in jalapeño adds a ny sound. Apply both and the entire Mexican menu becomes predictable.


15 words · intermediate · your accent and voice are remembered across the site. More options on the settings page.

The words

More lists like this

Siobhan, Niamh, Xavier, Joaquin: first names from Irish, Spanish and French sources.
15
Show the 15 words

Bruschetta, gnocchi, cappuccino, maestro: Italian words and the CH and GN rules English ignores.
15
Show the 15 words

Island, aisle, debris, Illinois: words hiding a silent S. Hear each one said the right way.
15
Show the 15 words

Quinoa, gnocchi, bruschetta, acai: menu words that trip everyone up. Hear each one correctly.
15
Show the 15 words

Nike, Adidas, Hyundai, Porsche: the official way to say the brands everyone gets wrong.
15
Show the 15 words

Turquoise, beige, fuchsia, mauve: colour names borrowed from French with tricky vowels.
15
Show the 15 words

Keep practising

Browse every practice list or the word index, hear two accents back to back on Compare, or test your ear with the listening quiz.

To read the rules behind these words, see the pronunciation guides — including silent letters, word stress and American vs British. Or hear each accent on its own page: American, British, Australian.