The Spanish alphabet is very similar to English, except for some eccentric embellishments - which should make typing easy! However the accents and punctuation marks are often a little bit misunderstood or under appreciated by students.

¿But who wouldn’t like the quirky little upside down question mark? ¡Or the extra exclamative exclamation point!

Of course there’s everyone’s favorite, little eñe – who separates the años (years) from the… anos (anuses).

Though sometimes students stress about the tiny tildes. Fear not! These only seek to alleviate your stress (well to áccurately lócate stress, actually). They make sure you put the correct emphaaaasis on the right syllaaaable.

Finally, don’t forget poor ü who helps puts the WEEEE in pingüino [PingWEEEEno] (Penguin)

Many students make the mistake of overlooking these little additions, seeing them as mere decoration when really, they are anything but ornamental. Learning to include them in all your writing will lift your Spanish to a new level.

But how to write them on an English keyboard?!

Even after accepting their importance, many don't bother to learn how to type Spanish accents in emails, social media and even assignments and homework…

¿But why? ¡When it’s so easy!

Just learn these little tricks, for both Mac and PC keyboards - give it a try!

Note: PC users will need to make sure they're using the 'US International Language' setting.

Did you find this article useful?

You may also like The 6 Scariest Spanish Verbs, or The Surprising Benefits of Being a Beginner.

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