In the language and culture section that reviews the spanish alphabet, it says that a "v" is said like a "b". But when you listen to the audio, a "v" sounds like a "v". The audio for how to pronounce words gives the example of "vosotros" and that sounds like a "v". So is a v said like a b or not?

Yes and no! The V and the B sound together. V+B

Gracias. I'll listen more closely next time for that.

I agree Cathy. The "v" in verde is very much a "b" sound but in "voy" it definitely seems to be a "v" sound. Can it be both or are we missing something?

Every language has the region input. So if you are learning Spanish from someone from Spain, Mexico, Colombia or Argentina they will tell you different rules for the same aspect. Pretty much like the English rules in NY and TN. If you say Verde or Berde, a Spanish speaker will understand perfectly, we are not that picky.

Alex A3 is correct. The "v" and "b" sounds, as with other Spanish sounds, especially vowels and diphthongs, depends on where the speaker is from and how they learned their language. Furthermore, the regionalism in pronunciation is not just between countries, but within countries. For example, in some parts of Mexico, locals pronounce "v" as it is in "victor" and "b" as it is in "box"; there is a clear distinction. In other places in Mexico, "v" and "b" are pronounced alike, more like "v+b". Of course, the Real Academia in Madrid supposedly sets the standard for language, but they cannot control pronunciations. In Spain, for example, "c" is pronounced like "th" but not so in much of Latin America. And, of course, the vosotros form is used in Spain, and parts of the Rio Plata area of Argentina and Uruguay.

hola

Hola !!