Page 1 · The idea
What is word stress?
When we say a word, one syllable usually stands out. This is the stressed syllable. A syllable is a beat in a word.
CA-sa2 syllables
es-pa-ÑOL3 syllables
te-LÉ-fo-no4 syllables
Stress is something we hear. A tilde (´) is a mark we see.
Page 2 · Step 1
Look for an accent mark
Does the word have á, é, í, ó or ú?
Yes ✓
Stress the syllable with the accent mark.
ca-FÉ
LÁ-piz
bo-LÍ-gra-fo
→
No accent mark?
Go to Step 2 and look at the final letter.
The accent mark shows you where to put the stress.
Page 3 · Step 2
Look at the ending
For most words without an accent mark:
A vowel (a, e, i, o, u), n, or s
Second-to-last syllable
ME-sa · LI-bro · HA-blan · LU-nes
Any other consonant
Last syllable
ha-BLAR · pa-PEL · es-pa-ÑOL
Remember: accent mark first. Word ending second.
Page 4 · Say the stress
Make one syllable stand out
Give the stressed syllable a little more emphasis.
1Say it with a little more energy.
2Hold its vowel slightly longer while practising.
3Keep the other vowels clear.
4Keep the word flowing. Do not pause.
You do not need to shout. Tap a word and say it smoothly.
Page 5 · Practice
Find it, tap it, say it
Look for an accent mark.
If there is no accent mark, check the ending.
Say the word and tap on its stressed syllable.
mochilamo-CHI-la
profesorpro-fe-SOR
cuadernocua-DER-no
númerosNÚ-me-ros
dieciséisdie-ci-SÉIS
veinteVEIN-te