Master The Sounds Of Portuguese
The Portuguese RR Sound
The RR sound in European Portuguese is strong and distinctive. Unlike the softer single R, which is made with a quick tap of the tongue, the RR is produced further back in the mouth, in the throat. This sound is similar to the French R and is created by allowing air to pass across the back of the tongue near the throat.
You will hear the RR sound at the beginning of words, as in rua, rio, and rápido, and when two R letters appear together in the middle of a word, as in carro, terra, and corre. In these positions, the sound becomes stronger and more pronounced than the single R.
Leo Coelho, of Portuguese With Leo, has a simple explanation. Tilt you head back and gargle, as in when you brush your teeth. Then, slowly bring your head level while gargling. That’s it!
Listen and Practice the RR Sound
Click the audio on the left and scroll down to follow the text as you listen.
This is a short preview of a FalaPT lesson.
Listen first
Then repeat each word out loud
Listen again and speak with the recording
Rapaz (Boy)
Rapaz
Um rapaz
Um rapaz alto
Um rapaz alto fala (A tall boy speaks)
Garrafa (Bottle)
Garrafa
Uma garrafa
Uma garrafa grande
Uma garrafa grande caiu (A big bottle fell)
Rato (Mouse)
Rato
Um rato
Um rato pequeno
Um rato pequeno corre (A small mouse runs)
Many learners initially try to pronounce this sound like the English R, but the English version is formed further forward in the mouth and sounds quite different. In European Portuguese, the back-of-the-throat sound gives the language part of its distinctive rhythm and character.
At first, this sound may feel unfamiliar, but with practice it becomes easier. Try gently pushing air across the back of your tongue while voicing the sound. Listening closely to native speakers and repeating common words will help you develop the correct pronunciation over time.
This hard R, or RR sound, is not simply an H sound, like in house. Maybe in Brazil, where my name, Randy, becomes Hanjee, but definitely not in European Portuguese.
It is also perfectly acceptable to use the R sound formed by tapping the tongue on the roof of the mouth, behind the teeth. The simple trilled R – except that you have to trill it double. In some areas of Portugal, such as Viseu, this is the norm.