Spanish Accents

In Spanish language, as in many other languages, we separate the words into visible syllables. Each syllable is composed by two or more letters (consonants and vowels).  

For example: ca-ma-re-ros  (waiters)

There is always one stressed syllable in each word. It is the syllable with more emphasis when the word is pronounced or read.

                      ca-ma-RE-ros   (waiters)

Depending on the stressed syllable we can say words are:

- "Agudas": when the stressed syllable is the last one.
                  Example: co-RRER (to run)

- "Llanas": when the stressed syllable is the second one starting by the end.
                Example: VA-so (glass)

- "Esdrújulas": when the stressed syllable is the third one.
                      Example: BRÚ-ju-la (compass)

-"Sobresdrújulas": when the stressed syllable is the forth one.
                          Example: di-BÚ-ja-me-lo (draw it for me)


When do we have to put a WRITTEN ACCENT over the stressed syllable?

1º When a word is "aguda" and it finishes in vowel/n/s.
       Ex. can-tó (sang)

2º When a word is "llana" and it does not finish in vowel/n/s.
       Ex. án-gel (angel)

3º "Esdrújulas" and "sobresdrújulas" words are always accented.
       Ex. A-mé-ri-ca (America) / á-bre-me-lo (open it for me)

If you click on here, you can find a similar explanation in Spanish. Go through it!