Accent marks (tildes) might seem complicated, but they actually follow very clear rules. In this article, we’ll explain in a simple way how to determine if a word needs a tilde. Let’s go step by step!
What Does the Tilde Indicate?
The tilde is the small mark (´) placed over a vowel to indicate the strongest syllable in a word. Not all words have one, but there are specific rules to know when it is required.
1. Find the Stressed Syllable
The stressed syllable (sílaba tónica) is the one pronounced with the most emphasis.
Example: canción → can-ción (the strongest syllable is ción).
2. Identify the Type of Word
Words are classified into four types based on the position of the stressed syllable:
🔹 Agudas (oxytone words)
➡ The stressed syllable is the last one.
✏ They take a tilde if they end in n, s, or a vowel.
✅ Examples with a tilde: canción, café, Perú
❌ Examples without a tilde: reloj, verdad, papel
🔹 Graves or llanas (paroxytone words)
➡ The stressed syllable is the second-to-last one.
✏ They take a tilde only if they do NOT end in n, s, or a vowel.
✅ Examples with a tilde: fácil, lápiz, árbol
❌ Examples without a tilde: mesa, joven, perro
🔹 Esdrújulas (proparoxytone words)
➡ The stressed syllable is the third-to-last one.
✏ They always take a tilde.
✅ Examples: música, teléfono, rápido
🔹 Sobresdrújulas
➡ The stressed syllable is before the third-to-last.
✏ They always take a tilde.
✅ Examples: dímelo, cuéntamelo, repítemelo
3. Practice!
To determine if a word needs a tilde:
✅ Divide it into syllables.
✅ Find the strongest syllable.
✅ Apply the rules based on the type of word.
Practical Example
Does the word camion take a tilde?
✔ Syllables: ca-mion
✔ It is aguda (stressed on the last syllable).
✔ It ends in n, so it does take a tilde: camión.
And That’s It!
Now you know when a word needs a tilde! Practice with more words, and you’ll see that it’s easier than it seems.
