English pronunciation: Diphthongs - /ɪə/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• near

• clear

• year

• fear

• dear

Minimal pairs

• near / knee
• fear / fair
• beer / bear
• dear / dare
• hear / hair

How to produce this sound

Start with the short 'i' sound as in 'sit', then move your tongue slightly back and up, ending with a relaxed 'uh' sound. It is a smooth glide between the two positions.

Common mix-ups

• near / knee
• fear / fair
• beer / bear
• dear / dare
• hear / hair

Closest comparison

near, clear, year, fear, dear