ə
Vowel
/ə/ — Mid central vowel (schwa)
Example words
| Word | US English | UK English |
|---|---|---|
| about | /əˈbaʊt/ | /əbaʊ̯t/ |
| sofa | /ˈsoʊfə/ | /səʊ̯fə/ |
| taken | /ˈteɪkən/ | /teɪkn̩/ |
| banana | /bəˈnænə/ | /bənɑːnə/ |
| ago | /əˈɡoʊ/ | /əɡəʊ/ |
| away | /əˈweɪ/ | /əweɪ/ |
| problem | /ˈpɹɑbləm/ | /pɹɒbləm/ |
| lemon | /ˈlɛmən/ | /lɛmən/ |
| support | /səˈpɔɹt/ | /səpɔːt/ |
| today | /təˈdeɪ/ | /tədeɪ/ |
Transcriptions come from pronunciation lexicons IPAtics maintains, in US and UK English.
How to produce this sound
SoundShort mid-central vowel (schwa), like a brief unstressed "uh".
TonguePlace tongue body centrally at mid height, with no hard palate or floor contact.
LipsKeep lips relaxed and unrounded, without smiling or pursing.
JawKeep it slightly parted and loose; do not drop it or clench it.
VoiceUse light voicing for a short, gentle sound.
Spelling patterns
- a as in about
- o as in lemon
- e as in taken
Practise this sound
- GuideSchwa /ə/: The Upside-Down e and How to Say It
- ConverterEnglish to IPA converter
- In Turkishİngilizce Telaffuz Rehberi — Türkler İçin IPA ile Başlangıç
- In Arabicالنبر في اللغة الإنجليزية: مكانه في الكلمة وقواعده
- In SpanishCómo leer la transcripción fonética del inglés
- In FrenchLire la phonétique anglaise : guide pour débutants
- In PortuguesePronúncia em inglês para brasileiros: erros comuns
- In ItalianPronuncia inglese per italiani: gli errori tipici
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