Language
Dutch
Unit
Klinkers
IPA
/ɛi/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for diftongen - /ɛi/.

Quick tip

Diphthongs start with one vowel sound and glide to another within the same syllable.

Letters and IPA

Letters

ij/ei

/ɛi/

Practice words

  • blij

  • reis

  • tijd

  • vrij

  • eigen

Minimal pairs

  • bij / bi
  • meid / med
  • reis / ras
  • tijd / ted
  • vrij / vrai

How to produce this sound

The Dutch /ɛi/ (spelled 'ij' or 'ei') is similar to the English 'ay' in 'day', but starts a bit more open, like 'e' in 'bed' gliding into 'i' in 'sit'.

Common mix-ups

  • bij / bi
  • reis / ras
  • tijd / ted
  • vrij / vrai
  • meid / med

Closest comparison

day, say, they, way, play

Keep exploring

Previous Lange klinkers - /øː/ Klinkers Next Diftongen - /œy/ Klinkers