Lesson 04: How To Spell Vietnamese - Group 02 Initial consonants and their digraphs

Summary: Let's continue the process of learning Vietnamese letter by letter with the second group of Initial Consonants. As discussed in the previous lesson, we will systematically divide the 29 vowels and consonants (including their diphthongs, triphthongs, digraphs, and trigraphs) into four manageable groups, each following similar rules in spelling. Get ready to delve into the intricacies of Vietnamese spelling as we progress through these groups.

• Part 01: Simple Vowels and Consonants that can only play one role in a word.
• Part 02: Initial Consonants and their digraphs.
• Part 03: Consonants, and their digraphs and trigraphs that can be both initial and closing.
• Part 04: Other Vowels with diphthongs and triphthongs.
• Part 05: Sum-up table & practice how to spell Vietnamese.

Learning and mastering all the spelling rules presented in these lessons typically takes a Vietnamese child one to two years. Consequently, it may take you several days to grasp and practice these rules, but they are essential for your journey through "Learn Vietnamese 30 Days".

Blog Writer's Notes:

1. All rules outlined here apply to standard Vietnamese, which is based on the Northern Vietnamese dialect.
2. The Southern Vietnamese dialect alters the pronunciation of some consonants but does not affect their written form. Written Vietnamese always adheres to standard Vietnamese.
3. Explanation of Some Terms Used in This Lesson:

• Diphthongs and Triphthongs are combinations of two or three vowels. They may or may not alter the pronunciation of the original vowel.
• Digraphs and Trigraphs are combinations of two or three consonants. They may or may not alter the pronunciation of the original consonant.

1. Introduce Group 2 - Initial Consonants and their digraphs

Having mastered the initial and most straightforward group of vowels and consonants in Vietnamese, you're now advancing to the next uncomplicated set. This group comprises three consonants, each accompanied by a single digraph.

Letters	Initial consonants		Vowels			Closing consonants
	Conso-nants	Di-graphs & Tri-graphs	Vowels	Diph-thongs	Triph-thongs	Conso-nants	Di-graphs
q		qu
g	g	gh
k	k	kh

In the digraph "KH," only K undergoes a change in pronunciation; the other two remain unaffected.

Note: Click to play

2. Consonant Q and its digraph.

Q and U consistently appear together in words, with U having no impact on the pronunciation of Q.

Initial consonant	Vowel	The complete word	English
Qu	a	Qua	Pass
Qu	ai	Quai	Handles of a bag
Qu	ê	Quê	Hometown

Note: Click to play

Quiz 01: Which is the correct spelling of this audio?

(Note: Click to play audio. Correct answer button will turn green)

3. Consonant G and its digraphs.

G and GH share the same sound, yet they serve distinct purposes in written Vietnamese:

• G accompanies a, â, ă, o, ô, ơ, u, ư, and their diphthongs and triphthongs.
• GH is paired with e, ê, i, and their diphthongs and triphthongs.

GI has a distinct pronunciation from G/GH. However, in the Southern Vietnamese dialect, GI is pronounced as D. For instance, "Gia" is spoken as "Da," "Gió" as "Dó," and so forth.

Initial consonant	Vowel	The complete word	English
G	a	Ga	Station
G	ai	Gai	Thorn
Gh	e	Ghe	Boat
Gh	i	Ghi	Write

Note: Click to play

Quiz 02: Which is the correct spelling of this audio?

(Note: Click to play audio. Correct answer button will turn green)

4. Consonant K and its digraph.

K and KH sound different.

Initial consonant	Vowel	The complete word	English
K	ê	Kê	Chicken
K	i	Kí	Kilogram
Kh	ê	Khê	Burned
Kh	i	Khi	When

Note: Click to play

Quiz 03: Which is the correct spelling of this audio?

(Note: Click to play audio. Correct answer button will turn green)

Remember to diligently practice spelling Vietnamese in every lesson. This forms a solid foundation for your "Learn Vietnamese 30 Days" adventure. Farewell for now, and I'll catch you in the upcoming lesson:

Until then, take care and see you soon!!