Language
English
Unit
Vowels
IPA
/uː
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for long vowels - /uː/.

Quick tip

Long vowels are held longer. Keep your mouth steady as you pronounce them.

Letters and IPA

Letters

oo (food)

/uː/

Practice words

  • food

  • school

  • moon

  • blue

  • room

Minimal pairs

  • food / foot
  • pool / pull
  • fool / full
  • Luke / look
  • shoot / shut

How to produce this sound

To make the /uː/ sound, round your lips and push them forward. The tongue is high and towards the back of your mouth. Hold the sound longer than a short 'u'.

Common mix-ups

  • food / foot
  • pool / pull
  • moon / man
  • blue / blow
  • room / ram

Closest comparison

food, moon, school, blue, room

Keep exploring

Previous Long Vowels - /iː/ Vowels Next Long Vowels - /ɜː/ Vowels