Introduction to Approximates > How to pronounce /w/ > Common /w/ spellings > Practice pronouncing /w/

How to pronounce the 'w sound' /w/

The 'w sound' /w/ is created with the jaw mostly closed and the lips formed in a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

The /w/ is very similar to the vowel 'oo sound' /u/; the only difference is that the lips are slightly more closed when making the /w/. Also the /w/ is a consonant sound and cannot create a syllable as a vowel sound can.