In Italian, all consonants except h can be doubled. Double consonants (i consonanti doppie) are pronounced much more forcefully than single consonants. With double f, l, m, n, r, s, and v, the sound is prolonged; with double b, c, d, g, p, and t, the stop is stronger than for the single consonant. Double z is pronounced almost the same as single z. Double s is always unvoiced. " I/ [. w& G4 z Q/ i0 n
Double consonant examples:
8 z- r2 _$ F! M$ h: M* j5 IItalianEnglishbabbodadfettasliceevvivahurrahbisteccabeefsteakmammamamaalbicoccaapricotbellobeautifulfilettofiletannoyearassaia lotbassoshortragazzoboyferroironpennellopaint brushespressoespresso coffeetavolozzapalettespaghettispaghetticavallettoeasel Q3 x& }: j+ K1 s" J; y
Most Italian words end in a vowel. |