jota
/ˈxota/
The English letter j is called jota in Spanish.
jota refers to the eleventh letter of the English alphabet.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈxota/.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, jota is also the name of a traditional folk dance and music style from Aragon, characterized by castanets and lively jumps.
- The expression ni una jota is used to mean 'not a single bit' or 'not one iota', mirroring the English idiom 'not one iota'.
- The Spanish letter j is a phonetic relative of the English 'h' sound, but in some dialects, it is pronounced with a much harsher, rasping sound from the back of the throat.
Examples in context
- Esa palabra empieza con la jota.That word starts with the j.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are practicing the alphabet together.
- Lucía¿Sabes cómo se llama esta letra?Do you know what this letter is called?
- JavierEs la jota, ¿verdad?It is the j, right?
- LucíaSí, Javier, la pronuncias muy bien.Yes, Javier, you pronounce it very well.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, es un poco rara.Thanks, Lucía, it is a bit strange.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
