English pronunciation: Fricatives - /f/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for fricatives - /f/.

Quick tip

Fricatives are made by forcing air through a narrow gap, creating friction.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• fan

• fish

• food

• five

• face

Minimal pairs

• fan / van
• fine / vine
• fat / vat
• feel / veal
• full / pull

How to produce this sound

Place your top teeth lightly on your bottom lip and blow air out. Do not use your voice.

Common mix-ups

• fan / van
• fine / vine
• fat / vat
• feel / veal
• full / pull

Closest comparison

fan, fish, food, five, face