signs | letreros [Spanish Learning - Male Voice]

Pronunciation To pronounce letreros (the Spanish word for "signs" or "notices") using English phonetic sounds, break it down into three syllables: leh-TREH-rohss leh: Like the "le" in the English word "let". TREH: Like the "tre" in "tread", but try to tap your tongue quickly against the roof of your mouth for the Spanish "r" sound (like the quick "d" sound in the American pronunciation of "water"). rohss: Rhymes with "gross" or "dose". The emphasis or stress goes on the middle syllable: leh-TREH-rohss. --- History of the Word The history of letreros traces back thousands of years through the evolution of Latin into modern Spanish: Latin Roots: The word originates from the Latin noun littera, which means "letter" (of the alphabet). Evolution to Spanish: In Old Spanish, littera evolved into the word letra (letter). To describe a collection of letters, a message, or a sign, speakers added the suffix -ero (which denotes a place, container, or object associated with something). This created letrero. Pluralization: Adding the -s makes it plural, referring to multiple signs, billboards, or notices. So, at its historical heart, a "letrero" is literally an object or place where letters are displayed.