English pronunciation: Fricatives - /h/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• hat

• house

• hand

• hello

• happy

Minimal pairs

• hat / at
• hill / ill
• heat / eat
• hair / air
• heart / art

How to produce this sound

The /h/ sound is made by breathing out air through your mouth without using your voice. Your vocal cords stay open and relaxed. Try saying 'hat' and feel the breath at the start.

Common mix-ups

• hat / at
• hill / ill
• heat / eat
• hair / air
• heart / art

Closest comparison

hat, house, hand, hello, happy