Because Spanish doesn’t distinguish the [v] vs. [b], many Spanish speakers fail to distinguish the two sounds when speaking English. However, the sounds are clearly different to a native English speaker and should be accurately produced so not to confuse the listener.
[v]
The key to saying the [v] sound correctly is to:
put the top teeth against the bottom lip (or just behind the bottom lip); and
vibrate.
Let’s Practice
[v]
Can you feel the top teeth vibrating against the bottom lip?
[v]
[b]
To create the [b] sound:
press your lips together; and
release one strong puff of air.
the vocal chords should vibrate.
Let’s Practice
[b]
[b]
Notice that you can hold the [v] sound for a long time, as opposed the [b], which is produced with one strong puff of air.
Let’s Practice
[v]…[v]…[v]…[v] (