Pronouncing "nh" and "lh" in European Portuguese can be a bit of a challenge for those who are not native speakers of the language. These two letter combinations are known as "nasal vowels," and they are pronounced differently than the non-nasal vowels in Portuguese.
The "nh" sound is produced by combining the sound of the letter "n" with the vowel that follows it. The result is a nasalized vowel sound that is similar to the "ng" sound in the English word "sing." To produce the "nh" sound correctly, the tip of the tongue should be pressed against the back of the upper teeth, while the sound is being made. This will create a nasalized effect.
Examples of "nh" sound in words:
- "tenho" (I have)
- "banho" (bath)
- "caminhão" (truck)
The "lh" sound, on the other hand, is produced by combining the sound of the letter "l" with the vowel that follows it. The result is a sound that is similar to the "li" sound in the English word "million." To produce the "lh" sound correctly, the tip of the tongue should be pressed against the alveolar ridge, which is just behind the upper teeth, while the sound is being made. This will create a nasalized effect.
Examples of "lh" sound in words:
- "falhar" (to miss, as in a target)
- "talho" (butcher)
- "palha" (straw)
It is important to note that these sounds are quite specific to European Portuguese, and they are not commonly found in other Romance languages. However, with practice and exposure to the language, it is definitely possible to master the correct pronunciation of these nasal vowels.
In summary, "nh" and "lh" are specific sounds found in European Portuguese. "nh" is a combination of the letter "n" and the vowel that follows it, produces a nasalized sound similar to "ng" in "sing". On the other hand, "lh" is a combination of the letter "l" and the vowel that follows it, produces a nasalized sound similar to "li" in "million". Both sounds are pronounced by pressing the tongue against the upper teeth for "nh" and alveolar ridge for "lh" which creates nasalized effect.