How to Pronounce "30" in English: A Comprehensive Guide for Spanish Speakers

If you're a Spanish speaker learning English, you may have encountered difficulties in pronouncing the number "30". In this guide, we'll delve into the correct pronunciation of "30" and provide you with effective tips and tricks to master it.

Understanding the Sound

The key to pronouncing "30" correctly lies in understanding the sound it represents. In English, the number "30" is pronounced as "thirty". The "thirty" sound is a diphthong, which means it consists of two vowel sounds pronounced together. The first vowel sound is "ɜː" (as in "burn") and the second vowel sound is "i" (as in "sit").

Pronunciation Exercise

To practice pronouncing "30", follow these steps:

Start by saying the vowel sound "ɜː".

Gradually transition to the vowel sound "i".

Repeat this process several times, ensuring a smooth transition between the two vowel sounds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When pronouncing "30", some common mistakes to avoid include:

Pronouncing it as "tree-oh": This is incorrect and can lead to confusion.

Exaggerating the "r" sound: While there is a slight "r" sound in "thirty", it should be subtle and not overly pronounced.

Effective Tips and Tricks

Listen to native English speakers: Pay attention to how they pronounce "30" in everyday conversation.

Use pronunciation apps: There are numerous apps available that provide audio pronunciations and interactive exercises.

Practice regularly: Repetition is key to improving your pronunciation. Try incorporating "30" into conversations or read aloud texts that contain the number.

Consult with a language tutor: If you're struggling to pronounce "30" correctly on your own, consider seeking guidance from a qualified language tutor.

FAQs About "30" Pronunciation

How do you say "30" in English?
- "Thirty"

What is the correct pronunciation of "30"?
- "ɜːi" (as in "thirty")

Success Stories

Maria, a Spanish learner from Mexico: "I struggled with pronouncing '30' for a long time. After practicing the tips in this guide, I can now say it correctly with confidence."

Juan, a student from Argentina: "I've used pronunciation apps to improve my English pronunciation, and I've found that the exercises for '30' have been particularly effective."

Sofia, a teacher from Spain: "My students used to make the common mistake of pronouncing '30' as 'tree-oh'. By sharing the strategies in this article, I've helped them improve their pronunciation significantly."

Pronunciations	Examples
ɜːi	thirty, thirty-one, thirty-two
ɜːɜː	thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five
ɜːiː	thirty-six, thirty-seven, thirty-eight

Pronunciation Exercise	Steps
Practice 1	Say the vowel sound "ɜː" for 5 seconds.
Practice 2	Transition to the vowel sound "i" for 5 seconds.
Practice 3	Repeat steps 1 and 2, gradually speeding up the transition.

How to Pronounce "30" in English: A Comprehensive Guide for Spanish Speakers