n
Consonant
/n/ — Alveolar nasal
Example words
| Word | US English | UK English |
|---|---|---|
| no | /ˈnoʊ/ | /nəʊ/ |
| sunny | /ˈsʌni/ | /sʌni/ |
| pen | /ˈpɛn/ | /pɛn/ |
| night | /ˈnaɪt/ | /naɪ̯t/ |
| name | /ˈneɪm/ | /neɪm/ |
| nine | /ˈnaɪn/ | /naɪn/ |
| dinner | /ˈdɪnɚ/ | /dɪnə/ |
| green | /ˈɡɹin/ | /ɡɹiːn/ |
| know | /ˈnoʊ/ | /nəʊ/ |
| window | /ˈwɪndoʊ/ | /wɪndəʊ/ |
Transcriptions come from pronunciation lexicons IPAtics maintains, in US and UK English.
How to produce this sound
SoundAlveolar nasal.
TongueAim the tongue tip/blade at the alveolar ridge (just behind upper front teeth). Hold oral closure while lowering the velum so airflow is routed through the nose.
LipsKeep lips neutral unless neighboring sounds require shaping.
JawUse a small, stable opening and avoid over-opening.
VoiceKeep steady voicing through the nasal murmur.
Minimal pairs
Each pair differs only in /n/, so hearing them side by side isolates the sound.
- nap/ˈnæp/map/ˈmæp/
- sun/ˈsʌn/some/ˈsʌm/
Spelling patterns
- n as in no
- nn as in sunny
- kn as in know
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