The Spanish language, like many others, possesses a subset of its vocabulary that begins with the letter ‘h.’ This initial ‘h’ is, however, always silent. Consequently, these terms are pronounced as if they begin with the following vowel. For example, the word “hola” (hello) is phonetically similar to “ola” (wave).
Understanding this phonetic peculiarity is essential for proper pronunciation and comprehension. While the written ‘h’ doesn’t impact the spoken word, its presence distinguishes these words from others starting with the same vowel sound. This distinction prevents potential homophones and clarifies meaning. The historical evolution of the language accounts for this silent ‘h,’ often stemming from Latin roots where the ‘h’ was once pronounced or served a different grammatical function.
