Silent Letters in Spanish: H, U, and More


Learning Spanish as a second language comes with its fair share of surprises. One of the most puzzling aspects for English speakers is the presence of silent letters. Just like in English (think “knight” or “psychology”), Spanish also has letters you see but don’t hear.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common silent letters in Spanish—especially H, U, and others—so you can improve your Spanish pronunciation, listening skills, and fluency without confusion.

Why Silent Letters Matter in Spanish

Pronunciation is a major part of mastering Spanish. If you mispronounce a word, it can cause misunderstandings or mark you as a beginner. Recognizing silent letters will help you:

  • Speak more naturally and confidently

  • Understand native speakers better

  • Avoid overpronouncing letters that don’t carry sound

  • Improve listening comprehension in real-world conversations

The Silent H in Spanish

The most famous silent letter in Spanish is the H.

  • Words like hola (hello), huevo (egg), and hacer (to do/make) all begin with H, but the letter is not pronounced.

  • The H is completely silent at the start of words and in the middle, except when paired with the letter C.

👉 Example:

  • hombre → pronounced “ombre”

  • hermano → pronounced “ermano”

⚠️ Important exception: When C + H combine (ch), it makes a distinct “ch” sound, as in chico (boy).

The Sometimes-Silent U in Spanish

The letter U is silent in certain vowel combinations, especially after G or Q.

  • In words like queso (cheese) and quiero (I want), the U is silent.

  • In guitarra (guitar) or guerra (war), the U is also silent, but it changes how the G is pronounced.

👉 Examples:

  • que → sounds like “keh” (not kwe)

  • guitarra → sounds like “gee-tar-ra” (the “u” disappears)

⚠️ Exception: If the U has a diaeresis (two dots above, as in pingüino), it is pronounced.

  • pingüino → pronounced “peen-goo-ee-no.”

Other Silent or Semi-Silent Letters

While H and U are the main silent letters in Spanish, there are a few others worth noting:

1. The Silent U After “G” and Before “E” or “I”

  • guerra → the U is not pronounced.

2. The Silent U After “Q”

  • quinto → pronounced “keen-to.”

3. Semi-Silent Consonants

Some consonants are not completely silent but are softer or reduced in sound depending on the region. For example:

  • Final S in Caribbean Spanish may sound faint or aspirated (amigos → amigo(h)).

  • The letter D in words ending in -ado may be dropped in casual speech (cansado → cansao).

These aren’t strict grammar rules but reflect regional Spanish dialects.

Common Mistakes English Speakers Make

  1. Pronouncing the H – Saying “ho-la” instead of “ola.”

  2. Overemphasizing the U – Saying “kwe-so” instead of “keh-so.”

  3. Forgetting the diaeresis rule – Mispronouncing pingüino as “peen-wee-no.”

Tips for Mastering Silent Letters in Spanish

  • Listen to native audio: Podcasts, TV shows, and music help train your ear.

  • Practice minimal pairs: Compare words like queso and quiso to notice the silent U.

  • Record yourself: Compare your pronunciation with a native speaker.

  • Use phonetic guides: Dictionaries often show the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

Final Thoughts

Silent letters in Spanish may feel strange at first, but once you recognize them, your pronunciation will improve dramatically. Remember these key points:

  • The H is always silent (except in “ch”).

  • The U is silent after G and Q unless marked with a diaeresis.

  • Regional accents may influence how certain consonants are softened or dropped.

By mastering silent letters, you’ll avoid common mistakes, sound more natural, and gain confidence in speaking Spanish fluently.