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Welcome to the Intricacies of B and V in Spanish!

Hello Super Learners!

Welcome to the Intricacies of B and V in Spanish!

Hello, Super Learners! Today we're diving into a topic that often baffles even the most dedicated Spanish learners: the use of the letters B and V. You might wonder, why does this matter? Well, mastering these rules will not only improve your spelling but also your understanding of the language, making you a more confident speaker and writer. So, let's get started on this linguistic adventure!


Welcome to the Intricacies of B and V in Spanish!
Welcome to the Intricacies of B and V in Spanish!


Understanding the rules for B and V in Spanish is crucial for anyone looking to master the language. These letters can be tricky because they often sound the same, but their usage is governed by specific rules. By learning these guidelines, you'll be able to write more accurately, avoid common mistakes, and communicate more effectively in Spanish. This knowledge is particularly useful for writing formal texts, taking exams, or simply impressing your friends with your impeccable Spanish skills!


Plus, remember, if you find this topic challenging or have any questions, you can always book a private lesson or consult us totally free at Spanish Super Tutor. Let's ensure that your Spanish journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!


The Fundamental Rule: M before P and B

The rule that states "before P and B, always write M" is a cornerstone of Spanish orthography. This helps us distinguish between the sounds of M and N, which can be confusingly similar. Here are a few examples to illustrate this rule:

- "imperio" (empire) — not "inperio"

- "emparentado" (related) — not "enparentado"

- "amputación" (amputation) — not "anputación"


V Stands Behind N, D, and B

Another important rule to remember is that after N, D, and B, the letter V is always used. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Take a look at these examples:

- "envidia" (envy) — not "enbidia"

- "envase" (container) — not "embace"

- "adverso" (adverse) — not "adberso"


B or V? That is the Question in Infinitives: -bir and -buir

When it comes to verbs ending in -bir and -buir, you should use B, except for a few verbs like "vivir," "servir," "hervir," and their derivatives. Here's how it works:

- "escribir" (to write) — not "escrivir"

- "prohibir" (to prohibit) — not "prohivir"

- "recibir" (to receive) — not "recivir"


Exceptions in Conjugations

In verbs where the infinitive form does not contain B or V, we use V in other conjugated forms. However, there's a notable exception in the imperfect tense of the indicative mood, which uses B. Here are examples:

- "tener / tuve" (to have / I had) — note the use of V in the past

- "cortar / cortaba" (to cut / I was cutting) — note the use of B in the imperfect tense


After "tur," Always a B

Words that follow the syllable "tur" will always have a B. This is an easy rule to remember and here are a few examples to practice:

- "disturbios" (disturbances) — not "disturvios"

- "turbina" (turbine) — not "turvina"



Initial Syllables Dictating the Use of B

The initial syllables "ha-," "he-," "hi-," "hu-," "ra-," "ro-," and "ru-" are always followed by B. Examples include:

- "hábil" (skillful) — not "hávil"

- "robar" (to steal) — not "rovar"


Grave Accent Adjectives Ending with -avo/a, -ave, -evo/a, -eve, -ivo/a Use V

Lastly, adjectives with a grave accent ending in -avo/a, -ave, -evo/a, -eve, -ivo/a will always be spelled with a V. For example:

- "esclavo" (slave) — not "esclabo"

- "nuevo" (new) — not "nuebo"


Remember, Super Learners, mastering these rules will significantly boost your Spanish prowess. And should you need any further assistance, Spanish Super Tutor is here to guide you through every step.

Private lessons are available, and we offer free consultations to answer all your queries.


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Miguel Marina

Spanish Super Tutor


Remember, learning Spanish has never been so straightforward. With a plethora of online classes, a wealth of free internet resources, and abundant teachers available, the world of Spanish is at your fingertips. Yet, at Spanish Super Tutor, we pride ourselves on the individual attention and progress tracking that set us apart from the rest.


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