[General] The sound of D and Da before the word "opener."

[arjitsharma]

I would like to know what I should say before "opener." Should I say "d" or "da?" I was taught to say "d" before the words that first are vowels, but I heard a native speaker say "da" opener which is why I am confused.

 

[Tdol]

What was the word that they were saying?

 

[jutfrank]

I assume this question is about the pronunciation of the opener.

Say the to rhyme with me/be/see.

 

[GoesStation]

Many Americans pronounce it like thuh opener, using the same vowel as the one in of. I don't recommend that pronunciation for learners but you will hear it often.

 

[arjitsharma]

So, when should I pronounce "d" and "thuh?"

 

[GoesStation]

Are you asking how to pronounce the word the or the name of the letter D?

 

[arjitsharma]

Actually, I asked the wrong way. I should be asking when I should pronounce "thee" and "thuh,"
But I got it when to pronounce them.well, now I would like to know whether the word "opener" begins with a vowel sound. I asked this because when we say "European" it is not considered to begin with a vowel sound.

 

[jutfrank]

European begins with a /j/ sound, which is considered a semi-vowel.

Since it's not a full vowel sound, it works more like a consonant. That is, you say thuh European (not thee European).

 

[arjitsharma]

But I would like to know whether "opener" begins with a vowel.

 

[GoesStation]

A pronouncing dictionary will show you whether a word begins with a vowel sound. Europe doesn't; it begins with the same consonant as you does.

Nearly all words that begin with a vowel also begin with a vowel sound. You will learn the exceptions as you build your vocabulary.

Most native speakers pronounce the like thee when it comes before a vowel sound because they find it easier.

Thinking about my own habits, I find that I usually drop the vowel from the entirely if the following word begins with an ee sound. So when I say the easiest, it sounds like theasiest.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes, opener begins with a vowel.