The consonants not listed below (b, f, m, n, v) are pronounced as in English. The approximate English equivalents are as follows:

c before a, o, and u is like the English k.

c before e or i is like the English sound ch in chest.

ch (found only before e or i) is like the English k.

d is somewhat more explosive than in English, with the tongue near the tip of the upper teeth but with no aspiration.

g before a, o, and u is as in the English word go.

g before e or i is like the g in gem.

gh (found only before e or i) is like the g in go.

gli is approximately like ll in million.

gn is approximately like ny in canyon.

h is silent.

l is as in English, but sharper and more forward in the mouth.

p is as in English, but without the aspiration that sometimes accompanies this sound in English.

qu is always pronounced like the English qu in quest.

r is different from the English r; it is pronounced with one flip of the tongue against the gums of the upper teeth. This is the trilled r.

s is sometimes like the English s in house.

s is sometimes (but always before b, d, g, l, m, n, r, and v) like the English s in rose.

sc before a, o, or u is like sk in ask.

sc before e or i is like the English sound sh in fish.

sch occurs only before e or i, and is pronounced like the English sk.

t is approximately the same as in English, but no escaping of breath accompanies it in Italian.

z is sometimes voiceless, like ts is bets.

z is sometimes voiced, like ds in beds.

Note:

When ci, gi, and sci are followed by a, o, or u, unless the accent falls on the i, the i is not pronounced. The letter i merely indicates that c, g, and sc are pronounced, respectively, like the English ch, g (as in gem), and sh.