The use of B and V causes many difficulties when writing in Spanish. And not only for foreigners but also for the natives. For example, would you write vaca or baca?
In our Spanish classes we spend a lot of time on grammar and correct writing. Therefore, we know well what doubts our students usually have. And one of the most common doubts at the time of writing, is the difference between B and V. For example, how do you think it is written, vaca or baca?
The confusion between these two letters was born in the Middle Ages and remains until today. So, so that you do not have any more doubts, we have prepared a small guide for you. In our post today you will find 5 examples about the confusion between B and V at the beginning of the word. And if you want to know more about the origins of the confusion between the two letters, read this article from the magazine “ABS”.
So, do you want to describe when you use B from Barcelona or V from Valencia?
1.Bello y vello
“Bello” is something beautiful.
“Vello” means short hair.
2.Bale y vale
“Bale” is the conjugation of the subjunctive or imperative form of the verb “balar” or “dar balidos” (give bleat).
“Vale” is the Spanish equivalent of “OK”. As a noun it means a free entry or a paper that can be exchanged for a certain amount of money (voucher). It is also the conjugation of the verb valer in the third person of the present indicative (it costs).
3. Basto y vasto
“Basto” has several meanings: someone rude; card from “Spanish deck”, the Spanish playing cards; saddle pad.
“Vasto” significa muy extendido o muy grande (vast).
4. Baca y vaca
“Baca” is a roof rack or the name of the fruit or berry of the laurel tree.
“Vaca” is female bull (cow).
5. Bienes y vienes
“Bienes” means the fortune or belongings of someone (goods).
“Vienes” is the conjugation of the verb “come” in the second person of the indicative present (you come).
As you can see, all these words can be written with B or V depending on the meaning of the word. But it does not always work that way. You want to know more? Soon in our blog we will explain other differences between B and V in Spanish. What would you write, vaya or baya? 😉
