Portuguese Digraphs

Digraphs are two letters coming together to represent a single sound. Today, we’ll explore seven digraphs common in Portuguese and the sounds they produce.

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ch

Ch always stands for the /ʃ/-sound (as in shale). Here are a few word examples:

• encher (fill up)
• nicho (niche)
• cheiro (smell)

lh

Lh always stands for the /ʎ/-sound (not present in English). Here are a few word examples:

• alho (garlic)
• mulher (woman)
• escolha (choice)

nh

Nh always stands for the /ɲ/-sound (not present in English). Here are a few word examples:

• lenha (firewood)
• pinheiro (pine tree)
• castanho (brown)

! Despite being present in the three preceding digraphs (“ch,” “lh,” and “nh”), the letter “h” is silent whenever it stands alone in Portuguese.

ss

The double s always stands for the /s/-sound (as in simple). Here are a few word examples:

• sessão (session)
• possível (possible)
• processo (process)

rr

The double r always stands for the /R/-sound (not present in English). Here are a few word examples:

• bizarro (bizarre)
• cigarra (cicada)
• corrosivo (corrosive)

gu

Overall gu stands for the /g/-sound (as in game) if followed by e or i (there are exceptions). Here are a few word examples:

• seguinte (next)
• guia (guide)
• gueto (ghetto)

qu

Overall qu stands for the /k/-sound (as in cadence) if followed by e or i (there are exceptions). Here are a few word examples:

• aquele (next)
• questão (guide)
• quinto (ghetto)

Learn more about the Portuguese sound system: Master European Portuguese Pronunciation: Essential Guide for Beginners and Beyond.