Language
English
Unit
Consonants
IPA
/j/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for approximants - /j/.

Quick tip

Approximants are made with a narrow gap, but not enough to cause friction.

Letters and IPA

Letters

j (yes)

/j/

Practice words

  • yes

  • yellow

  • yesterday

  • young

  • yogurt

Minimal pairs

  • yes / ess
  • yell / ell
  • yarn / arn
  • yolk / oak
  • yard / ard

How to produce this sound

Raise the middle of your tongue close to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth, and let the air flow smoothly. This is the sound at the start of 'yes'.

Common mix-ups

  • yes / ess
  • yell / ell
  • yarn / arn
  • yolk / oak
  • yard / ard

Closest comparison

yes, yellow, yoga, yesterday, young

Keep exploring

Previous Approximants - /ɹ/ Consonants Next Approximants - /l/ Consonants