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.
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.
