r / ŕ / l / ĺ

Syllabic R and L

Level 1

In Slovak, r and l can act like vowels: vlk (wolf) and prst (finger) are one syllable each, with no vowel at all.

How It Works

R and l as the heart of a syllable. Every syllable needs a center. Usually it is a vowel, but in Slovak r and l can play that role between consonants:

  • one syllable: vlk (wolf), prst (finger), krk (neck)
  • two syllables: slnko (sln-ko, sun), vlna (vl-na, wave)
  • three syllables: Trnava (Tr-na-va, a city)

Say the r or l clearly and keep going. Do not slip in an extra vowel.

Long ŕ and ĺ. With a dĺžeň, these syllables are long: vŕba (willow), stĺp (pillar), vĺča (wolf cub). Even the word dĺžeň has one. See long vowels.

They follow the usual rules. A syllabic r or l takes the stress when it is in the first syllable: VLK, PRST, TR-na-va. The long ŕ and ĺ count as long syllables for the rhythmic law.

Examples (6)

  1. Vlk žije v lese.

    The wolf lives in the forest.

    Vlk is one syllable, with l at its center.

  2. Porezal som si prst.

    I cut my finger.

    Prst is one syllable, with r at its center.

  3. Pri rieke rastie vŕba.

    A willow grows by the river.

    Vŕ-ba has a long syllabic ŕ.

  4. Auto stojí pri stĺpe.

    The car is parked by the pole.

    Stĺ-pe has a long syllabic ĺ.

  5. Slnko svieti.

    The sun is shining.

    Slnko has two syllables: sln-ko.

  6. Je štvrť na tri.

    It's a quarter past two.

    Word by Word: Is quarter to three.

    Štvrť is one syllable, with r at its center.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding a vowel before r or l.

    vlk [vi-lk]
    vlk [vlk]

    The l itself is the center of the syllable, so vlk has just one syllable.

  • Leaving out the dĺžeň on ŕ.

    Pri rieke rastie vrba.
    Pri rieke rastie vŕba.

    The Slovak word for willow is vŕba, with a long ŕ.

  • Leaving out the dĺžeň on ĺ.

    Auto stojí pri stlpe.
    Auto stojí pri stĺpe.

    Stĺp (pillar) has a long ĺ in all its forms.

How It Connects

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

r / ŕ / l / ĺLevel 1Syllabic R and L

Learn This First

Before Syllabic r and l, learn Long Vowels. Syllabic ŕ and ĺ are long, like the other long vowels.