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Portuguese Digraphs

LEVEL Open TOPIC Pronunciation alphabet consonants

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

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

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

lh

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

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

nh

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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