The Trilled RR

/r/

Accent-Specific Coaching

For American Speakers

Say 'butter' fast — that flapped 't' is the SINGLE Spanish 'r'. The trilled 'rr' is that same motion repeated rapidly. Put your tongue tip behind your upper teeth and blow air to make it vibrate.

For British Speakers

The trilled 'rr' requires your tongue tip to vibrate behind your upper teeth. Start by saying 'duh-duh-duh' faster and faster until it becomes a trill.

For Australian / NZ Speakers

Your flapped 't' in 'butter' is already the single Spanish 'r'. For the trill, put your tongue tip just behind your upper teeth and blow air to make it flutter.

For Irish Speakers

If you trill your r's naturally — many Irish speakers do — you already have this sound! If not, start with rapid 'duh-duh-duh' until it becomes a buzz.

For Scottish Speakers

Your Scottish rolled 'r' IS this sound. You’re done. Just use it at the start of words and wherever you see 'rr'.

For Indian Speakers

Your tapped 'r' is already the single Spanish 'r'. For the trill, your tongue is in the right position — just blow more air to make it vibrate rapidly.

For South African Speakers

Start with rapid 'duh-duh-duh' behind your upper teeth. Speed it up until the tongue starts to vibrate on its own. That's the trilled 'rr'.

For Nigerian / W. African Speakers

Your tapped 'r' gives you the single Spanish 'r' for free. For the trill, speed up that tap into a rapid flutter by blowing more air past your tongue tip.