Language
English
Unit
Consonants
IPA
/ɹ/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Letters

r (red)

/ɹ/

Practice words

  • red

  • right

  • read

  • road

  • rain

Minimal pairs

  • red / led
  • right / light
  • read / lead
  • road / load
  • rock / lock

How to produce this sound

To make /ɹ/, curl the tip of your tongue slightly up and back, but do not touch the roof of your mouth. Let air flow around the sides.

Common mix-ups

  • red / led
  • right / light
  • read / lead
  • road / load
  • rock / lock

Closest comparison

red, run, read, right, rain

Keep exploring

Previous Approximants - /w/ Consonants Next Approximants - /j/ Consonants