Vowels
* a - Like the "a" in "father" (ah)
* e - Like the "e" in "bed" (eh)
* In unstressed syllables, it sounds like the "e" in "met" (eh)
* i - Like the "i" in "machine" (ee)
* o - Like the "o" in "lot" (oh)
* u - Like the "u" in "flute" (oo)
Consonants
* b, d, f, l, m, n, p, t, v - Pronounced similarly to English
* c -
* Before "a", "o", "u" or a consonant - Like the "c" in "cat" (k)
* Before "e", "i" - Like the "ch" in "cheese" (ch)
* g -
* Before "a", "o", "u" or a consonant - Like the "g" in "gate" (g)
* Before "e", "i" - Like the "j" in "gem" (j)
* h - Silent (except in a few cases, e.g., "h" followed by "i" as in "chi")
* j - Pronounced like "y" in "yes" (y)
* q - Always followed by "u", pronounced like "kw" (kw)
* r - A trilled sound made by vibrating the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. In some regions, it may be a tap sound similar to the "r" in "butter".
* s -
* Usually pronounced like the "s" in "see" (s)
* Between vowels, it may sound like the "z" in "zebra" (z)
* z -
* Usually pronounced like the "ts" in "cats" (ts)
* Between vowels, it may sound like the "dz" in "adze" (dz)
Special Combinations
* ch - Like the "k" in "kick" (k)
* gh - Usually silent, but sometimes pronounced as a guttural "h" (h)
* gl - Often pronounced as a "gli" sound (gli)
* gn - Often pronounced as a "ny" sound (ny)
* sc -
* Before "e", "i" - Like the "sh" in "ship" (sh)
* Before "a", "o", "u" or a consonant - Like the "sk" in "sky" (sk)
* sci - Like the "sh" in "ship" (sh)
* sch - Like the "sk" in "sky" (sk)
Remember
* The stress in Italian words usually falls on the second-to-last syllable, unless the last syllable ends in a vowel or a double consonant.
* Italian pronunciation is relatively straightforward. Just focus on the sounds and you'll be able to pronounce most words correctly.
Resources:
* Online Pronunciation Dictionaries: For specific words, online pronunciation dictionaries like Forvo (https://forvo.com/) can be helpful.
* Italian Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo and Babbel often include pronunciation guides and exercises.
Good luck! 🇮🇹