The Spanish alphabet includes the letter “h,” although it is silent in most cases. This distinguishes it from the aspirated “h” sound found in English words like “house.” Examples of vocabulary starting with this letter include terms related to doing, making, or having something (hacer, hablar, haber), those describing characteristics (hermoso, horrible), tools (hacha), and even familial relations (hijo, hija, hermano). This silent letter nonetheless plays a vital role in distinguishing words and influencing pronunciation.
Understanding the role of the silent ‘h’ is essential for proper pronunciation and spelling in Spanish. While the ‘h’ itself is not pronounced, its presence can influence surrounding vowels or create distinctions between otherwise identical spellings. Historically, the silent ‘h’ in Spanish often reflects an earlier pronunciation that has since been lost, providing insights into the evolution of the language. Its continued use maintains etymological connections and avoids potential ambiguities.