English pronunciation: Approximants - /w/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• water

• window

• week

• white

• woman

Minimal pairs

• wet / vet
• wine / vine
• west / vest
• witch / which
• wood / would

How to produce this sound

Round your lips as if to say 'oo', but start with your tongue high and at the back of your mouth. Voice the sound as you quickly move into the next vowel.

Common mix-ups

• west / vest
• wine / vine
• wet / vet
• witch / which
• wood / would

Closest comparison

water, window, week, white, woman