You've probably wondered why some words in Spanish have two dots above the vowel U. This linguistic phenomenon is called diéresis in Spanish (diaeresis) and appears in certain words, but do you know what its function is?

If you want to find out what a diaeresis is and how it is used, this article from don Quijote is perfect for you. Continue on your journey of learning Spanish in Spain and discover the secrets we reveal to help you master the language like a native speaker.

You can also read this article in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, or Dutch.

What is diaeresis?

The diaeresis or dieresis in Spanish is an orthographic symbol represented by two small dots above vowels. In Spanish, this symbol is placed above a single vowel, the U, and only in certain words. The diaeresis indicates that the vowel is pronounced in that word.

Why then in Spanish is it only used on the vowel U? Because generally, in words such as guerra (war) or guitarra (guitar), the U is silent. In this way, the diaeresis indicates that in a specific word, the vowel is pronounced and has an independent sound.

For example, some words with diaereses in Spanish are:

• Pingüino (Penguin)
• Lingüístico (Linguistic)
• Vergüenza (Embarrassment)
• Ambigüedad (Ambiguity)
• Bilingüe (Bilingual)
• Antigüedad (Antiquity)
• Cigüeña (Stork)
• Paragüero (Umbrella stand)
• Amortigüé (Cushioned)

Without the Spanish diaeresis, the above words would be pronounced incorrectly according to the phonetic rules of the Spanish language.a

When should you use words with diaeresis?

As you have seen, the diaeresis in Spanish is used in the syllables “gue” and “gui,” where the U changes from being silent to being pronounced. Thus, this symbol ensures correct pronunciation and helps to differentiate words phonetically.

For example, in the word guerra, the U is not pronounced because the emphasis of the pronunciation falls on the vowel E. Whereas in the word paragüero, the U is pronounced so that, phonetically, the vowel sounds.

Tips for using the diaeresis

As with any other orthographic symbol, the diaeresis in Spanish has a series of rules that can help you understand it better and know how and when to use it.

• It always goes on the U. The only vowel that takes the diaeresis in Spanish is the U.
• It always goes in the syllables gue/gui. The diaeresis is only used in the syllables gue and gui so that the U in between is pronounced.
• It is always followed by vowels (e/i). Like the syllable, the U with a diaeresis is always followed by the vowels E or I.
• It is always written. The diaeresis is always written in Spanish as it indicates differences in the pronunciation of words.
• It is normally used in stressed syllables, although there are exceptions.

Diaeresis in other languages

In addition to Spanish, diaeresis are used in other languages, but with different functions. As we have seen, in Spanish diaeresis are always used to indicate that the vowel U is pronounced differently; for example, in the words pingüino (penguin) or paragüero (umbrella stand).

In other languages, such as German, the diaeresis is called an umlaut and changes the tone of the vowels ä, ö, and ü. In French, the tréma indicates that two vowels should be pronounced in separate syllables. As in French, the diaeresis has the same function in Dutch.

In English, it is very rare, appearing mainly in words from other languages or in proper names. For example, the Brontë sisters, who were writers. Other languages in which the diaeresis is present are Turkish, Finnish, and Albanian.

Examples of words with diaeresis

Below are some sentences with Spanish words containing diaeresis so you can see examples:

1. El pingüino caminaba torpemente sobre el hielo (The penguin walked awkwardly on the ice)
2. Estudia lingüística en la universidad de Salamanca (He studies linguistics at the University of Salamanca)
3. Su comportamiento le causó mucha vergüenza (His behavior caused him a lot of embarrassment)
4. La cigüeña anidó en lo alto del campanario (The stork nested at the top of the bell tower)
5. Compré un paragüero para la entrada de la casa (I bought an umbrella stand for the entrance of the house)
6. El documento resalta la ambigüedad del contrato (The document highlights the ambiguity of the contract)
7. El nuevo chico es bilingüe y domina inglés y francés (The new guy is bilingual and fluent in English and French)
8. Me amortigüé el golpe con las manos (I cushioned the blow with my hands)
9. Averigüé su secreto cuando se despistó el otro día (I found out his secret when he let it slip the other day)
10. El ungüento de tu abuela me ayudó con los dolores musculares (Your grandmother's ointment helped me with my muscle pain)
11. La zarigüeya me parece un animal muy curioso y adorable (I find the opossum a very curious and adorable animal)
12. La lengüeta de la zapatilla me hizo daño durante toda la tarde (The tongue of my shoe hurt me all afternoon)

These are the most common words in Spanish that have diaeresis. Did you know them all? Keep learning and practicing Spanish with don Quijote and venture into our blog to discover more useful tips and resources in Spanish. Don Quijote is waiting for you!

September is here, and for many, it's synonymous with new resolutions, changes, and a return to routine. That's why this month is perfect for discovering the easiest way to learn Spanish, and at don Quijote, we want to help you achieve your goal.

Spanish has become one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and it's no coincidence that more people want to learn it. Whether for professional or academic reasons, or simply for pleasure, mastering Spanish will open many doors for you in different areas. So, if you're looking for the easiest and most natural way to learn Spanish in Spain, these tips will help you achieve your goal.

Beyond textbooks, online classes, and mobile apps, learning a language is taken to the next level when you connect it with the culture, cuisine, music, and people who speak it every day. That's why Spain's cultural richness and hospitality make it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the language in a close and authentic way.

Learning daily

There is no magic formula that will enable you to learn a language quickly and speak fluently. However, there are simple ways to learn Spanish, in this case, and enjoy the process. The first step would be to take a Spanish level test to see where to start.

One of the main mistakes many students make when they start learning a language is limiting themselves to theory. They memorize lists of verbs or grammar rules and often don't understand how they work. Although all of this can be useful, it doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to hold a conversation in the language in a real-life context. Therefore, the key is to integrate the language, in this case Spanish, into your daily routine.

One of the easiest ways to learn Spanish is to do so in its place of origin, Spain. It is the perfect place to study, as you can practice and surround yourself with Spanish naturally 24 hours a day. Order a coffee in any café, ask for directions or information about a monument, chat with your colleagues or neighbors, or go shopping in a supermarket. You will practice and speak the language in different environments and become part of the daily life of Spaniards: one of the easiest ways to learn Spanish.

In addition, the great advantage of Spain is that its locals are patient and open-minded, so don't be afraid to make mistakes: every mistake is an opportunity to continue learning. Another easy way to learn the language is to listen to it constantly in real contexts, on television, in markets, or on the radio. This will help you train your ear and familiarize yourself with colloquial expressions that rarely appear in textbooks. Experience natural learning without even realizing it.

The fundamental role of culture

Spanish is not just about words and rules; it also reflects the way of life of the people who speak it. That's why living and learning the language in Spain gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in its culture while improving your Spanish communication skills.

Culture is essential to understanding a language. Studying vocabulary or Spanish verb tenses while sampling paella in Valencia or visiting the Alhambra in Granada is a unique experience that you can only have in Spain. The new Spanish words you learn will be linked to experiences that you will remember fondly forever. All of this is one of the easiest ways to learn Spanish.

Art also plays an important role. Spending an afternoon or morning at the Prado Museum in Madrid or the Guggenheim in Bilbao will allow you to discover terms related to painting and architecture, but also to engage in conversations about creativity and inspiration. The same goes for music: from singing along with your new friends at a party to listening to flamenco in an Andalusian tablao, it will become a practical Spanish lesson.

And let's not forget the most popular sport: soccer. Attending Real Madrid, Barcelona, or any local team's game is an opportunity to learn expressions and chants and share emotions with locals who share your interests.

Simple tips for studying Spanish

If you've already decided to take the plunge and live the experience in Spain, here are some tips that will make your learning even easier:

• Live with locals. Look for shared accommodation with Spanish or international people with whom you can speak the language. The more you speak, the faster you will progress in the language.
• Aim for variety. Spain is a diverse country, and each region has its own accent and expressions. Traveling to different cities will help you understand the language.
• Enjoy the cuisine. Ordering tapas, asking about ingredients, or following recipes in Spanish is a delicious way to practice and try new dishes.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember that making mistakes is part of the process and, moreover, helps you improve.
• Combine practice and theory. Although immersion is key, an intensive Spanish course at an accredited school can help you consolidate what you have learned.
• Live the experience. Learning a language is fun, not an obligation. Every conversation, anecdote, and cultural discovery becomes another step toward fluency.

Spain, an unforgettable destination

If there's one thing that makes Spain the ideal destination for studying Spanish, it's the opportunity to experience the language in all its glory. After all, the easiest way to learn Spanish isn't by endlessly repeating exercises, but by surrounding yourself with the language until it becomes part of your life. And there's no better place for this to happen than Spain.

So, if you dream of speaking Spanish fluently, come to Spain, immerse yourself in its culture, and let the language accompany you in every experience. Don Quijote school helps you have a unique experience, learning and feeling excited at every turn.