Language
English
Unit
Vowels
IPA
/ɪ/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Letters

i (sit)

/ɪ/

Practice words

  • sit

  • fish

  • milk

  • big

  • six

Minimal pairs

  • bit / beat
  • sit / seat
  • ship / sheep
  • fill / feel
  • live / leave

How to produce this sound

The /ɪ/ sound is a short vowel. Relax your tongue in the middle of your mouth, slightly higher than for /e/. Your lips should be relaxed. It is the vowel in 'sit'.

Common mix-ups

  • sit / seat
  • bit / beat
  • ship / sheep
  • fill / feel
  • live / leave

Closest comparison

sit, fish, milk, big, six

Keep exploring

Next Short Vowels - /ʊ/ Vowels