The y in "Yo": Is it pronounced yo like "yoyo" or jo like "Jones"?

John M.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

The y in "Yo": Is it pronounced yo like "yoyo" or jo like "Jones"?

I ask because in the recording for "Yo vivo en Córdoba" it's a "yo" sound. But for the "Yo vivo en el barrio de Gràcia" recording it's a soft j sound resulting in "jo".

When I practice at Duolingo I also sometimes here the y vs. j difference. Are both interchangeable in Spanish? If no, what are the rules for choosing j vs. y?

Or, is the recording audio simply not of good quality?

Asked 5 years ago
John M.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Correction: I also sometimes hear . . .

InmaKwiziq team member

Hola John

I would say the [io] sound is more common in Spain but you sometimes hear a [jo] sound in some areas. Here is a video explaining the different sounds of LL and Y. 

I hope you find it useful.

Saludos

Inma

 

 

 

yameriko s.A1Kwiziq community member

Where I live in Spain, Y and LL are always pronounced with J sound.

'Pollo' (chicken) is pronounced 'pojo'. 

'me llamo'- me jamo

caballo - cabajo

BTW, I live in Andalucia

The y in "Yo": Is it pronounced yo like "yoyo" or jo like "Jones"?

I ask because in the recording for "Yo vivo en Córdoba" it's a "yo" sound. But for the "Yo vivo en el barrio de Gràcia" recording it's a soft j sound resulting in "jo".

When I practice at Duolingo I also sometimes here the y vs. j difference. Are both interchangeable in Spanish? If no, what are the rules for choosing j vs. y?

Or, is the recording audio simply not of good quality?

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