b
Consonant
/b/ — Voiced bilabial stop
Example words
| Word | US English | UK English |
|---|---|---|
| bed | /ˈbɛd/ | /bɛd/ |
| big | /ˈbɪɡ/ | /bɪɡ/ |
| baby | /ˈbeɪbi/ | /beɪ̯bi/ |
| rabbit | /ˈɹæbət/ | /ɹæbɪt/ |
| table | /ˈteɪbəl/ | /teɪbl̩/ |
| about | /əˈbaʊt/ | /əbaʊ̯t/ |
| bring | /ˈbɹɪŋ/ | /bɹɪŋ/ |
| blue | /ˈblu/ | /bluː/ |
| number | /ˈnʌmbɚ/ | /nʌmbɚ/ |
| robe | /ˈɹoʊb/ | /ɹəʊb/ |
Transcriptions come from pronunciation lexicons IPAtics maintains, in US and UK English.
How to produce this sound
SoundVoiced bilabial stop.
TongueKeep the tongue relaxed and out of the closure; the constriction is made with both lips. Build full closure at the target place, then release with a controlled burst.
LipsBring both lips together firmly, then release cleanly.
JawKeep jaw stable with only enough opening for a crisp release.
VoiceKeep vocal fold vibration on continuously and avoid dropping voicing mid-sound.
Minimal pairs
Each pair differs only in /b/, so hearing them side by side isolates the sound.
- bat/ˈbæt/pat/ˈpæt/
- big/ˈbɪɡ/pig/ˈpɪɡ/
- cab/ˈkæb/cap/ˈkæp/
- bee/ˈbi/pea/ˈpi/
Spelling patterns
- b as in bed
- bb as in rabbit
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