Difference between open syllable and closed syllable


Language and literature
2023-05-22T03:10:23+00:00

Difference between open syllable and closed syllable

Introduction

In the Spanish language, there are two types of syllables: open syllables and closed syllables. These two types of syllables are differentiated by the position of the vowel in the syllable, which changes the pronunciation and stress of the words.

open syllables

Open syllables are those that end in a vowel. Examples of words with open syllables are:

  • property
  • table
  • book
  • ease

In open syllables, the vowel is pronounced more strongly and clearly, and they do not carry spelling stress unless the word has an exception to the stress rules.

closed syllables

Closed syllables are those that end in a consonant. Some examples of words with closed syllables are:

  • final
  • frozen
  • tree
  • easy

In closed syllables, the vowel is pronounced closer and shorter, and may have an orthographic accent depending on the rules.

Examples of differences

An example of the difference in the pronunciation and stress of open and closed syllables is found in the words "easy" and "ease." "Fácil" has a closed syllable, while "ease" has an open syllable. Therefore, "easy" has an orthographic accent on the last syllable, while "ease" does not.

Conclusion

In short, open syllables have a vowel at the end of the syllable, while closed syllables have a consonant at the end of the syllable. The pronunciation and stress of words change depending on the type of syllable they have. It is important to know the difference between these two syllables to be able to pronounce and write correctly in Spanish.

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