Using accents when writing or speaking in Spanish is important – not just because it’s the correct way to write (or pronounce) but because leaving them out can completely change the meaning of what you’re saying.

Por ejemplo.

“Feliz Año Nuevo” means Happy New Year.

But without the tilde, “ano” does not mean year. It means anus.

So “Feliz Ano Nuevo” becomes a sentence you did not intend to write or say, and one that will absolutely be noticed.

Accents are very much necessary and functional. That tiny line over the ñ is important.

Use the accent!