Skip to content
rConsonants
Audio playback is unavailable on this browser. Install a voice for the target language or try a different device.
/r/

· ·

Voiced post-alveolar approximant. Tongue curled back, no contact.

Example words

red 
carrot 
write 
very 

How to make the sound

Raise or curl the tongue toward the postalveolar area without touching it, and keep the sound voiced.

What to feel and listen for

There is no tongue contact or friction; the vowel-like sound stays smooth.

Common mistake: Do not tap the ridge as for a quick flap; keep the tongue away from contact.

See how it differs

Articulation profile

PlosiveFricativeAffricateNasalApproximantLateralBilabialpb··m··Labiodental·fv····Dental·θð····Alveolartdsz·n·lPost-alveolar·ʃʒtʃdʒ·r·Palatal····j·Velarkɡ··ŋw·Glottal·h····