Grammar
Spanish accent marks explained
Learn the main uses of Spanish accent marks with examples and common mistakes.
Spanish accent marks show stress or distinguish words that would otherwise look the same.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| stress | café | coffee | final stressed vowel |
| question word | qué | what | used in questions |
| contrast | tu / tú | your / you | accent changes meaning |
| preterite | hablé | I spoke | different from hablo |
| adverb | rápidamente | quickly | keeps original adjective accent |
| no accent | fue | was / went | one-syllable words usually no accent |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring accents as decorationThey can change meaning and pronunciation.
- Adding accents where they do not belongNot every stressed word needs a written accent.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.