The Spanish alphabet includes the letter ‘h’, yet it is always silent. This characteristic distinguishes it from the ‘h’ in English and other languages. While numerous words of Latin origin incorporated the ‘h’ in their written form, its pronunciation disappeared over time. For example, the Spanish word for “to do” hacer is pronounced “ah-ser,” the ‘h’ having no audible effect.
Understanding the silent ‘h’ is crucial for proper Spanish pronunciation and spelling. While it doesn’t impact the spoken word, its presence is essential for written communication. This silent letter reflects the evolution of the language from its Latin roots, providing a glimpse into its historical development. Its continued inclusion in spelling also helps differentiate words that might otherwise be homophones if written without the ‘h’.