Double Consonants (Gemination)
Accent-Specific Coaching
For American Speakers
In Italian, double consonants are HELD LONGER. 'Pala' (shovel) vs 'palla' (ball). Hold the consonant — feel the pause. English doesn't do this, so you'll need to practice.
For British Speakers
Double consonants must be held longer. 'Nono' (ninth) vs 'nonno' (grandfather). Feel the consonant stretch before releasing.
For Australian / NZ Speakers
Hold double consonants longer. 'Fato' (fate) vs 'fatto' (done). The consonant stretches — don't skip over it.
For Irish Speakers
Double consonants are elongated. 'Pala' vs 'palla' — hold the L longer. This changes word meaning!
For Scottish Speakers
Double consonants are held. 'Casa' vs 'cassa' — the S is longer. English doesn't really do this.
For Indian Speakers
Hindi has gemination! 'अच्छा' holds the consonant. Italian doubles work the same way — hold the sound longer. This is a massive advantage.
For South African Speakers
Hold double consonants longer. 'Sera' (evening) vs 'serra' (greenhouse). The consonant stretches before releasing.
For Nigerian / W. African Speakers
Double consonants are held longer. 'Caro' (dear) vs 'carro' (cart). Stretch the consonant — it changes meaning.
Practice Words
palla
ball
notte
night
caffè
coffee
anno
year
tutto
everything
Practice Sentence
Tutto il caffè della notte
All the coffee of the night
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More Italian Sounds
The Trilled R
/ɾ/Single tapped r
/ʎ/The GL Sound
/ɲ/The GN Sound
/ɛ / e/Open vs closed e
/ɔ / o/Open vs closed o