v / b
V and B
Say v as b, and learn which letter each word uses.
How It Works
A speaker of another variety, such as Provençal, may pronounce the v of vin like an English v. In Languedocien it sounds like b, so vin sounds like “bin”.
| With v | With b |
|---|---|
| vin (wine) | bon (good) |
| viure (to live) | beure (to drink) |
| vaca (cow) | bastir (to build) |
All six words start with the same b sound, so the sound alone does not tell you whether to write v or b.
Many words with v also have a v in French, Spanish and Italian: vin, vaca, viure. This helps, but it is not a rule without exceptions, so check the word.
Examples (4)
- vin
wine
The v sounds like b.
- viure
to live
The v sounds like b.
- beure
to drink
The b is a b, and the sound is the same as in viure.
- Vòli beure un veire de vin.
I want to drink a glass of wine.
Beure, veire and vin all start with the same b sound.
Common Mistakes
Writing b because you hear b.
biureviureThe sound is b, but the spelling of this word has a v.
How It Connects
Learn This First
V and b are two letters of the alphabet that sound alike in Languedocien while the spelling keeps both, so the alphabet and the idea of classical spelling come first.
- Classical Spelling
Know that the classical spelling keeps both letters, because Languedocien says v like b and the spelling still tells them apart: vin, viure, beure.
Foundations - The Occitan Alphabet
Know the letters v and b in the alphabet, because they are the two letters that sound alike in Languedocien: vin, bon.
Level 1
Related Patterns
Practice v / b in Bubblegum
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