English pronunciation: Diphthongs - /eə/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for diphthongs - /eə/.

Quick tip

Diphthongs glide from one vowel position to another in a single syllable.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• hair

• care

• fair

• pair

• share

Minimal pairs

• hair / her
• fair / far
• pair / pear
• care / car
• bear / beer

How to produce this sound

Start with the vowel sound in 'bed' (/e/), then move your tongue slightly back and up, ending with a relaxed 'uh' sound. The mouth opens a bit wider than for 'e'.

Common mix-ups

• hair / her
• fair / far
• pair / pear
• care / car
• bear / beer

Closest comparison

hair, care, fair, pair, share