English pronunciation: Diphthongs - /eɪ/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• day

• name

• rain

• wait

• cake

Minimal pairs

• day / die
• late / let
• pain / pen
• wait / wet
• main / men

How to produce this sound

The /eɪ/ sound is a diphthong. Start with the tongue in a mid-front position (as in 'e' in 'bed'), then glide up towards the position for 'i' in 'machine'. Lips are unrounded.

Common mix-ups

• day / die
• main / men
• late / let
• pain / pen
• wait / wet

Closest comparison

day, name, rain, wait, cake