English pronunciation: Short Vowels - /ʌ/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• cup

• bus

• luck

• sun

• fun

Minimal pairs

• cup / cap
• luck / lock
• bus / boss
• cut / cat
• sun / soon

How to produce this sound

The /ʌ/ sound is made with the tongue relaxed and low in the mouth, lips slightly open. It is short, as in 'cup'.

Common mix-ups

• cup / cap
• luck / lock
• bus / boss
• cut / cat
• sun / soon

Closest comparison

cup, bus, luck, sun, fun