R vs D Confusion in Cardinal Directions?

L. B.A1Kwiziq community member

R vs D Confusion in Cardinal Directions?

Hello!  I'm not understanding why these cardinal points sometimes have a "r" and some have a "d" in the name (as bolded).  Can you explain this further?   ie: El sureste as south-east makes sense (literally south+east), but what is sudeste??

El sureste/sudeste = south-east

El suroeste/sudoeste = south-west

El noreste/nordeste = north-east

El noroeste = north-west

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Liska,

good question! 

Both prefixes sur- and sub- are correct to use as you can see in the lesson. The reason why sud- is also used seems to be because of French influence in the past, and it has been maintained until now. 

What is important to remember is that if you are saying "south" it is always "sur" not "sud". 

Yo vivo en el sur. (correct)

Yo vivo en el sud. (incorrect)

I hope this clarified it.

Saludos

Inma

L. B. asked:

R vs D Confusion in Cardinal Directions?

Hello!  I'm not understanding why these cardinal points sometimes have a "r" and some have a "d" in the name (as bolded).  Can you explain this further?   ie: El sureste as south-east makes sense (literally south+east), but what is sudeste??

El sureste/sudeste = south-east

El suroeste/sudoeste = south-west

El noreste/nordeste = north-east

El noroeste = north-west

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