1. The basic rule of Spanish syllabication is to make each syllable end in a vowel whenever possible.

Ci-vi-li-za-do

ca-ra-co-les

so-ñar

ca-sa-do

2. Two vowels should always be devided unless one of the vowels is an unaccented "i" or "u" (weak vowels). Accents on other vowels do not affect syllabication. (See diphthongs)

fe-o	bue-no	ac-tú-e	des-pués
pre-o-cu-pa-do	ne-ce-sa-rio	rí-o	a-vión

3. In general, two consonants are divided. The consonants ch, ll and rr are considered single letters and should never be devided. Double c and double n are separated.

en-fer-mo	ban-de-ra	mu-cha-cha	ac-ci-den-te
doc-to-ra	cas-ti-llo	a-rroz	in-na-to

4. The consonants l and r are never separated from any consonant preceding them, except for s.

ha-blar	a-trás	a-brir	pa-dre
com-ple-to	is-la	o-pre-si-vo	si-glo

5. Combinations of three and four consonants are devided following the rules above. The letter s should go with the preceding syllable.

es-truc-tu-ra	con-ve-nir	ex-tra-ño	obs-cu-ro
cons-tan-te	es-tre-lla	in-fle-xi-ble	ins-truc-ción