How do you roll the "R"?

Question

I have tried the motorcycle sound. I have tried putting my tongue on the top of my mouth and blowing. I am just not getting it. Are there any more tips, or is it something that some people just can't do?

I am learning Arabic and alot of the "r" words are rolled, just like in Spanish. I have been trying the things you all have said and I do it evey now and then for a second. Hopefully I will catch on soon.

Answer 1

Amazing, on my drive home I decided to post this question, and when I got here, you'd beat me to it! I can't do it either, but some suggestions that have been made to me and apparently work for some people...

Say "pot o'tea" over and over again.
Know that song that goes, "da da dum, da da dum, da da DUM DUM DUM" (I think of it as "off to the races", I"m not sure what the title of it is...)? Do that over and over again, as fast as you can.
Motorcycle noise
Purr like a cat
Touch tongue to the bony part right behind your teeth and blow

Good luck! That's the one thing I have a HORRIBLE time with in Spanish. I think I'm missing some critical part of my anatomy that allows me to do that!!!

Answer 2

put your tongue where it just lightly touches the spot on the roof of the mouth where you would normally pronounce a (retroflex) D. Then blow out and let the air gently vibrate it. You will succeed better if you are very cold! The tongue will feel as if it's slightly curled back at the tip.

My brother and I were both taking Spanish classes when we were younger and we were so frustrated that we couldn't pronounce the rolled R. Then one day, it was snowing out and we suddenly were able to do it! And we've both been able to ever since. Just keep practicing!

This seems to help: Say the word Dudder really fast over and over. Then notice where your tongue is when it makes the d's (particular the double d's in the center of the word). Now place your tongue lightly there and breathe out. I don't think the tongue should touch the teeth.

Answer 3

When you put your tongue to the top of your mouth, place the tip of it, loosely, to the area above the back of the front teeth. I don't know if blowing is the best way to put it, but then try to speak, using words that begin with "R" and see how it sounds. You know that sound that little boys make when they are playing with toy cars? Maybe it is something that not everyone is able to do, that's a definite possibility.

Answer 4

My first Spanish teacher used to always tell us to think of our mouths like rubber bands. The only way to make the band vibrate is if it is stretched out. So, stretch your lips over your teeth some and try. Also, for some reason it is a lot easier to roll the "R" when you are singing, so find some kind of goofy song to try it with. And please, please remember that the sound comes from the tongue, not the back of the throat. Once you get it a couple times just keep trying and practicing. It will get easier. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Some people actually just can't do it, but it's more likely you just need to let the rrrrrrr flow. I find I kinda do a weird hollow breathing in the back of my throat when I roll my rs. Also, try different positions of your tongue in your mouth. I just open my mouth, have my toungue hover kinda close to the top of my mouth, think of saying "airrrrr" and curl the tip of my tongue back a little bit.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

try doing the pirate's aaaarrrrrg from the simpsons or bettet yet just say racoon,red,ramstein and you will roll the R big time then you just pay attention to what you felt when saying these words, what i feel when i roll my R is like i lift my tongue almost touching the top of my mouth.

Answer 7

Yes, it is a culture on april fools day however ppl began to come to a decision hat they wanna do it every time to prank ppl. Especially on this case for you, that's a horrible variant due to the fact the track combined up and sound first-class is dangerous. *Pay awareness to the rankings earlier than you click on at the video, it tells ya whether or not it is garbage or exact ^^

Answer 8

don't worry, if you're a spanish student, or half mexican, like me, u will get it eventually. listen to others pronounce it and keep practicing. some ppl just don't say it well but if u keep at it, you'll get it. BUENA SUERTE!

Answer 9

put your tounge to the top and frount touching your teeth then blow untill your tounge viberates,it might take some practise but youll get it in the end good luckRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Answer 10

If you do spanish, it would be the same as 'rr' in the spanish alphabet.