Alphabet. Phonetics. Reading of vowels and consonants
8 topics with a brief review: definitions, key facts, and classroom questions.
This section is the foundation of medical Latin. Here we examine the alphabet, sound production, and pronunciation rules for vowels, consonants, diphthongs, and specific letter combinations. Without a clear understanding of phonetics, it is impossible to correctly read any anatomical term, diagnosis, or prescription.
In addition to summary reading rules, the section includes basic anatomical terminology—the exact words you will need during your very first classes in the dissecting room. And to immerse you in professional culture, we have added classic Latin aphorisms and proverbs that every self-respecting physician should know.
In practical classes, instructors most frequently catch students on reading diphthongs (especially ae and oe), pronouncing letter combinations (ti, qu, ch), and consonants with dual pronunciations (c and s). Study these nuances carefully to sound confident and professional from your first year.
Why are there 25 letters in the medical Latin alphabet instead of 26?
The letter W w ("double u"), which makes the alphabet 26 letters long, is not part of native medical Latin. It is found exclusively in terms and surnames borrowed from modern languages (e.g., Wolff syndrome, Willebrand disease).
Do consonants soften before the Latin vowel e?
No, Latin consonants before the [e] sound are always pronounced hard.
How to correctly read the letter combinations ae and oe?
They are read as a single sound [e]. For example, the word vertebrae sounds like [vertebre].
In which cases is the letter S pronounced voiced, as [z]?
The letter S is read as [z] in two cases: first, when it stands between two vowels (incisura). Second, in terms of Greek origin, if it is located between a vowel and the consonants m or n (chiasma).
How to understand when ngu is read as [ngv] and when as [ngu]?
You need to look at the letter that follows. If a vowel follows—read as [ngv] (língua). If a consonant follows—read as [ngu] (ángulus).
How to correctly read the combination "ti"?
In most cases before vowels, it sounds like [tsi] (e.g., articulatio). But if it is preceded by the consonants S or X, it is read as [ti].
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