English pronunciation: Plosives - /k/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for plosives - /k/.

Quick tip

Plosives are made by blocking airflow and then releasing it suddenly.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• cat

• cake

• car

• cold

• coat

Minimal pairs

• cat / cut
• coat / goat
• cold / gold
• back / bag
• pick / pig

How to produce this sound

The /k/ sound is made by raising the back of your tongue to touch the soft part of the roof of your mouth (the velum), then releasing the air suddenly. It is voiceless, so your vocal cords do not vibrate.

Common mix-ups

• cat / cut
• coat / goat
• cold / gold
• back / bag
• pick / pig

Closest comparison

cat, key, cold, cake, car