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

How to pronounce the 'y sound' /y/

The tongue is extended forward, with the body of the tongue very near the tooth ridge and hard palate. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is kept relatively closed during the formation of this sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound. The lips are held mostly closed, and they are neither made tense nor into a circular shape.

NOTE: This sound is similar to a 'long e' /i/ in both sound and formation. However, the tongue is held closer to the tooth ridge during the 'y sound' /y/ than during the 'long e' /i/ sound.