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U - Pronunciación - Spanish Pronunciation

The Spanish letter U has some unique characteristics.

1.	U is normally pronounced "oo."
	cuchara	uno
	usted	champú

2.	In terms of syllable division, U is a weak vowel:
	guasón	aula

	Note: When U diphthongs with other vowels, it sounds like an English W. The letter cu followed by a vowel sounds like QU in English.
	cuidado	cuando

3.	In terms of consonant pronunciation, U is a hard vowel:
	cuchara	mucho gusto

(a)	Between G and a soft vowel, the U is silent.
	guisantes	guía telefónica

	Note: if the U is to be pronounced, it needs a dieresis.
	vergüenza	lingüística

(b)	When a C or G needs to be pronounced "hard" in front of a soft vowel, the letter U plays a role - see hard and soft vowels

Please note that this explanation is only a guideline for the Spanish that I know, which is Castilian Spanish. There are many regional variations in Spanish pronunciation.

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