You are here:
- Home
- Homework Help
- Spanish Language
- Spanish Language
- written accent
Spanish Language/written accent
Advertisement
Question
Does the surname Vigil have a written accent on the last syllable -vil? Thank you.
Hi Anne,
No, the surname Vigil does not carry a "tilde" (written accent) on any syllable. This is because of the 3 spelling rules that go:
1. Words with the accent on the last syllable only carry a tilde when they end in "n", "s" or vowel.
2. Words with the accent on the second to last syllable only carry a tilde when they DO NOT end in "n", "s" or vowel.
3. Words with an accent on the third to last syllable ALWAY carry a tilde.
To these you add the exceptions of monosyllabic words, which carry a tilde depending on their meaning or function within the sentence. These ones have to be learned by memory.
Related Articles
- Accent This: Written and Spoken - Intermediate Spanish
- Definition of 'Diacritical Mark' - Accents, Tildes and Diereses (Umlauts)
- Stress and Accent Marks - Spanish Language for Beginners
- How do I know which syllables to stress in Japanese words?
- How do I know which syllables to stress in Japanese words?
Answers by Expert:
Alicia Casuso
Expertise
I am Peruvian and have spoken the language during my 26 years of age. I am knowledgeable in the Spanish language, although Castellano language is a more accurate term since there are strong differences of phonetics and grammar between both languages. I can guide anyone who wants a closer approach to Southamerican Spanish. I can also help with Peruvian (specifically of Lima) slang, modisms and idioms. Finally I can give a general help with Peruvian literature and authors such as Mario Vargas Llosa ("Conversacion en la Catedral"), Alfredo Bryce("Un Mundo Para Julius"), Jaime Bayly ("No Se Lo Digas a Nadie"), as well as other Southamerican authors such as Gabriel Garcia-Marquez ("Cien Aņos de Soledad".)
Experience
I have been in AllExperts for nearly 3 years. I am a native Spanish speaker, I am well-read and profficient in formal Spanish. I am also fluent in English, so I will explain with examples and in a clear way. I have also read all of the books mentioned, and have also studied Latinamerican Literature as a credited course in university.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.