r as a Vowel

Level 1

R can be the syllable's vowel: prst, trg, grlo.

How It Works

Bosnian r is rolled with the tip of the tongue. When it stands between consonants, it can take the place of a vowel and carry the syllable.

  • prst (finger) has one syllable.
  • trg (square) has one syllable.
  • grlo (throat) has two: gr-lo.
  • srce (heart) has two: sr-ce.

The same r can also be long or short, and it can carry the stress. In vrt (garden) it is a full syllable.

English speakers tend to add a small vowel before or after the r. Try to hold the r instead. The word crn (black) is a good practice word: it has no vowel letter at all, and the r carries the syllable.

Examples (4)

  1. Prst me boli.

    My finger hurts.

    R is the vowel in prst.

  2. Na trgu je pijaca.

    There is a market in the square.

    Trgu keeps r as its syllable.

  3. Srce mi brzo kuca.

    My heart is beating fast.

    Srce and brzo both use r between consonants.

  4. Pas je crn.

    The dog is black.

    Crn has no vowel letter.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding a vowel.

    pirst
    prst

    Say the r and keep it. Do not add i or e.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

r as a VowelLevel 1

Learn This First

A syllable-forming r is read from the vowels and consonants.