β sound

[Amigoo]

Hola. It´s me again. I´ve β sound on this time.
Can you check my recording of pronunciation of the words:
Lobo, saber, jabón
https://vocaroo.com/i/s07eOkEc3XHy

[Rusty]

Your intervocal β sound is a little too soft.
Your lips should not touch each other, which I believe you're doing, but they can't be too far apart. Say 'b', touching your lips together. Then part the lips slightly and say a 'b' sound. A 'b', with slightly parted lips, is the β sound in Spanish, used when the 'b' or 'v' consonant falls between vowels.

Listen here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll-6vKjEIM8).

[Amigoo]

Try this
https://vocaroo.com/i/s1mqhjEcLplD
My lips doesn't touch each other. But the lower lip goes slightly into the mouth, without touching the upper teeth.

[Rusty]

Your β in 'saber' is closer, but it still needs to be a bit stronger. Touch lips first, then slightly part them. Don't let your lip fall into your mouth.

In addition to the video I linked to, there are other videos online where native speakers try to teach the sound of the intervocalic 'b' or 'v'. Watch their lips and listen to how close the sound is to a hard 'b' or 'v'.

[Amigoo]

I will try. What a hard sound :(

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Don't worry too much. The normal "b" sound in English will be perfectly understood by anyone. The vowels, and the "ñ" and "r"/"rr" are more important. ;)

Anyway, try tensing your lips a little so they won't completely touch each other, and the "separation" between them will just be the amount of air coming out of your mouth for speaking. :)

[Amigoo]

I think I did it
https://vocaroo.com/i/s0gheDJp2msn
My lips doesn´t touch each other and underlip doesn´t go there

[Rusty]

It's still a little weak (your lips need to be closer together), but will be understood.

[Amigoo]

If you aren´t tired with me. I can record again :)

https://vocaroo.com/i/s1gSrj5G6JBq
I hope this recording is ok.

[Rusty]

The two words in the recording are clear. Your pronunciation of the word 'jabón' is more clear than 'saber', but both will be understood. :thumbsup:

[Amigoo]

:)
That´s cool. You may guess what sound will be next :D

I wanted to say one thing.
I find that this sound is more relaxed than /v/, am I right?

[Rusty]

Hmm. Yes, it is, but I throw /v/ completely out, since there is no /v/ sound in Spanish. Focus on the /b/ sound (voiced bilabial stop) and then say the same thing with slightly parted lips (voiced bilabial fricative).