r as a Syllable Centre
Words such as prst and trg contain a syllabic r. They do not need an extra written vowel to make a syllable.
How It Works
In prst and trg, r forms the centre of the syllable. This is why a Croatian word can have no written a, e, i, o or u and still be pronounceable as a syllable.
Begin with the whole word, then repeat it slowly while keeping its consonants connected. Adding a pronounced vowel as a temporary practice aid is different from the target pronunciation; the standard spelling remains prst or trg.
Not every r is syllabic. In ruka, the neighbouring vowel u carries the first syllable. The role of r depends on the particular word, not simply on the presence of the letter.
Examples (3)
- Boli me prst.
My finger hurts.
R is the syllable centre in prst.
- Trg je velik.
The square is large.
Trg has one syllable with r at its centre.
- Vrt je zelen.
The garden is green.
Vrt also has a syllabic r.
Related Patterns
Practice r as a Syllable Centre in Bubblegum
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