i/y and í/ý
i and y sound the same. í and ý sound the same. The difference is spelling and grammar, not a separate vowel sound.
Same sound, different spelling
Do not try to make a different vowel for i/y. Learn the spelling pattern with the word.
Clue / sound
i / y
Written form
mi
to me
my
we
Note
Both use the same short i-like sound.
Clue / sound
i / y
Written form
bil
he hit
byl
he was
Note
The sound is the same; spelling carries the meaning.
Clue / sound
í / ý
Written form
bít
to hit
být
to be
Note
Both use the same long í-like sound.
Clue / sound
í / ý
Written form
milí
nice people
milý
nice masculine singular
Note
Same sound, different grammar.
| Clue / sound | Written form | Listen | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| i / y | mito me mywe | Both use the same short i-like sound. | |
| i / y | bilhe hit bylhe was | The sound is the same; spelling carries the meaning. | |
| í / ý | bítto hit býtto be | Both use the same long í-like sound. | |
| í / ý | milínice people milýnice masculine singular | Same sound, different grammar. |