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IPAyoo/o͞o
Vowel/Diphthong
Long U / Cute Vowel
The sound heard in words like "cute", "music", "few", and "use". It typically starts with a /j/ glide (like 'y' in 'yes') and moves into the Long OO /u/ sound. Sometimes, after certain consonants (like R, L, J, CH, SH), the /j/ glide is dropped, and it sounds like Long OO /u/ (e.g., rule, blue, chew).
Voicing
VoicedPlace of Articulation
Diphthong: Starts high-front (for /j/), glides to high-back (for /u/)Manner of Articulation
Diphthong (Gliding Vowel)Mouth Position
Start with the tongue high and front, similar to the start of 'yes'. Lips may be slightly spread. Then, quickly glide the tongue high and back while rounding the lips tightly for the /u/ sound.
How to Make This Sound
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Example Words
use (verb)Main Example
juzcute
kjutmusic
ˈmjuzɪkfew
fjuhuman
ˈhjumənhuge
hjudʒstudent
ˈstudəntbeautiful
ˈbjutəfəlview
vjuargue
ˈɑrgjuPronunciation Practice
11 words
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Full Practice
All 11 words
Minimal Pairs
Listen and compare similar sounds
yoo/o͞o
use (verb)
juzCompare with
O
ooze
uzyoo/o͞o
few
fjuCompare with
F
food
fudyoo/o͞o
cute
kjutCompare with
C
coot
kutTongue Twister
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