English pronunciation: Short Vowels - /ə/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for short vowels - /ə/.

Quick tip

Short vowels are quick and relaxed. Keep your tongue in a central or near-central position.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• sofa

• banana

• about

• problem

• pencil

Minimal pairs

• sofa / sofa
• banana / banner
• about / abut
• problem / probable
• pencil / panel

How to produce this sound

Relax your mouth and tongue. Make a short, soft sound, like the 'a' in 'sofa' or the 'e' in 'problem'.

Common mix-ups

• sofa / sofa
• banana / banner
• about / abut
• problem / probable
• pencil / panel

Closest comparison

sofa, banana, about, problem, pencil