Difference between diphthong and hiatus

Introduction

In the Spanish language, it is common to find terms like diphthong y gap, especially in the area of ​​grammar and spelling. Both concepts refer to the pronunciation of two or more vowels together, but there are important differences between them. what is necessary know to use them correctly.

Diphthong

A diphthong is a combination of two different vowels that are pronounced in only one syllable. Generally, the weak vowel (i o u) joins with the strong vowel (any other vowel) to form a single sound. For example:

• Pais (the i joins the a)
• Cuenta (The u joins the e)
• Euro (The u joins the e)

In these examples, the combination of the two vowels forms a single sound that is pronounced in a single syllable. It is important to note that not all vowel combinations form diphthongs. In some cases, these are hiatuses, as we will see below.

Hiatus

A hiatus is a combination of two vowels that are pronounced in different syllables. In other words, each vowel is pronounced independently and does not form a single sound as in the case of the diphthong. This usually occurs when two strong vowels (or a strong and a weak vowel) come together. For example:

• Now
• Noise
• City

In these examples, each vowel is pronounced in a different syllable and are separated by a hyphen to indicate that they do not form a diphthong.

Differences between diphthong and hiatus

The main difference between diphthong and hiatus is that in the former, the two vowels are pronounced in a single syllable and form a single sound, while in the latter, the two vowels are pronounced in different syllables and do not form a single sound.

Another important difference is that diphthongs can be formed by a weak vowel and a strong vowel, while hiatuses are only formed when two strong vowels (or a strong and a weak one) come together.

Conclusion

In summary, it is important to know the difference between diphthong and hiatus to be able to use them correctly in writing and pronouncing Spanish. While the diphthong is formed when two different vowels are pronounced in a single syllable and form a single sound, the hiatus is formed when two vowels are pronounced in different syllables and do not form a single sound. We hope this information has been useful to you!