Audio pronunciation. Online dictionaries are not always convenient

It consists of 26 letters, with 44 sounds. Therefore, you need to clearly know how to pronounce this or that sound, because the sound of the same letter may differ. This happens according to a certain system; such pronunciation rules are universal. To know them means to know the language.

Correct pronunciation of vowels

Sounds English language can be divided into vowel sounds and consonant sounds. There are several rules for reading and pronouncing vowel sounds, such as E, A, Y, U, I, O.

To better remember and understand how to correctly read the sounds of the English language, a table with examples and transcription for convenience in Russian letters will help you quickly remember the rules of reading.

the type of pronunciation is associated with the presence of an open syllable in a word. Any syllable that ends with a vowel is considered open, including if the vowel is unreadable.
type of pronunciation - consonant syllable.
type of pronunciation - vowel with the letter “r”. The letter G determines the prolonged sound of the vowel, which is at the root of the word.
reading type - 2 vowels and the letter G between them. In this case, the letter G is not readable. And vowels have a special pronunciation.

How to read consonants in English

The pronunciation of consonants in English also has its own characteristics. To understand how to correctly read the consonants of the English language, transcription in Russian letters will help you.

The letters sh are read as sh, ch as h, tch - h, ck - k, wh as uo (for example, what) or x (for example, xy), ng as n, q as kv, nk- as nc and wr as p , th is pronounced as with interdental vowels if they are at the beginning of a word, and as z in words-pronouns, function words, between vowels.

Diphthongs in English: pronunciation rules

There are also vowel sounds that go together. They are called diphthongs and are pronounced according to special rules. Vowel sounds in English and their pronunciation often depend on whether they appear at the beginning, middle or end of a word.

The diphthong is pronounced "ay". Expressed in writing with the vowels "i" and "y" in open syllable with emphasis, the letter combination “ie” and “ye” at the end of the word, as well as “uy”, “eye”, “igh”.

i - line [line]
y - fly [fly]
ie - tie [tai]
ye - dye [give]
uy - guy [guy]
eye - eyebrow [eyebrov]
igh - knight [night]

[ɔɪ] is read like the Russian "oh". In writing it is expressed through "oi", "oy".

oi - noisy [noisy]
oy - annoy [enoy]
reads like "hey".

In writing it is conveyed by the letter “a” in an open stressed syllable, and by the letter combinations “ai”, “ay”, “ey”, “ea”, “ei”.

a - save [save]
ai - main [main]
ay - tray [tray]
ey - gray [gray]
ea - great [great]
ei-eight

It's read as "ay". The sound "a" is longer than "u". In writing it is conveyed through the letter combinations “ow”, “ou”.

ow - town [town]
ou - pound [pound]

[əu] is read as the average between the sound combinations “ou” and “eu”. The letter contains the letter “o” in an open stressed syllable, and letter combinations “ow”, “ou”, “oa”, “o+ld”, “o+ll”

o - bone [bone]
ow - snow [snow]
ou - soul [soul]
oa - coat [coat]
old - cold [cold]
oll - roller [roller]

[ɪə] is read as “ee”, “i” is long, and “e” is short. In writing it is conveyed by the letter combinations “ear”, “eer”, “ere”, “ier”.

ear - gear [gie]
eer - deer [die]
ere - severe [sivie]
ier - fierce [fies]

[ɛə] is read "ea" or "ee". The sound is a clear “e” and an intermediate between “e” and “a”. In writing it is conveyed using the letter combinations “are”, “ear”, “air”.

are - care [kee]
Bear - bear [bae]]
air - repair [repeer]]

It is read as "ue", while the "u" is longer than the "e". It is expressed using the letters "ue", "ure", "ou+r".

ue - cruel [cruel]
ure - sure [shue]
our - tour [tuer]]

Combination of vowels and consonants

In the English language, there is such a pattern when certain vowels are combined with consonants. For example, the combination al, if it is located before the letter k, and after it there are other consonants. The combination of letters wo, if the previous syllable has consonants. Wa - if this combination comes before vowels at the end, the exception is r or if it is combined with consonants, for example, warm. We have already described the combination igh among diphthongs, as well as the combination qua, if it is found before consonants other than r.

And go through listening exercises. You will only listen to the correct pronunciation of real American English!

When starting to learn English, many neglect to study transcription, considering it a pointless waste of time. However, correct pronunciation is one of the main goals in learning a foreign language.

Where to start?

Pronunciation individual sounds. Words in English are read differently than they are written, so learning the transcription will be the most effective approach to language learning. In order to learn english sounds independently, it is recommended to study each sound of the English language separately.

All sounds of English

Reasons to learn the sounds of English

When studying transcription, you learn the rules of reading. Having analyzed only about a hundred words, you will be able to build logical chains and determine the basic patterns of pronunciation of sounds. Over time, you will be able to pronounce words correctly without much effort. Learning the rules does not eliminate the need to listen English speech. It is important to develop both auditory and visual memory.
By reading aloud you improve your pronunciation skills. Lack of correct pronunciation will become an obstacle in overcoming language barrier, and in the future will become the reason for the development of a communication complex. Incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning of a word or sentence.

Intonation. When working on intonation, it is important to listen to foreign speech. Regularly use audio lessons in your training, repeat after the speaker, try to feel the intonation. Memorize short poems and dialogues. In order to hear yourself from the outside, use a voice recorder, and then work on your mistakes.

This is exactly what newbies look like the first time they try to hear the pronunciation of their English speaking language. interlocutor. And this is not surprising, because Wookiee of English - important point in teaching. Language is a means of communication, primarily orally. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to its sound structure. IN this lesson we will look at the sounds of the English language and find out what transcription is.

Transcription is a written representation of the sounds of a language using special characters, with the goal of accurately conveying pronunciation. With its help, you can record the sound of any word, regardless of whether it belongs to any language. That is, having dealt with transcription once, you will never lose this skill and will be able to use it when learning other languages.

Basic conventions:

Transcription is usually given in square brackets [...] . Sounds that may not be pronounced are marked in parentheses. (...) .
English transcription also helps in correct positioning stress in words. There are two types of stress, and both of them are indicated in transcription. The first is the main stress ( main stress), unlike the Russian language, is not placed above stressed syllable, and in front of him from above. The second stress is additional ( secondary stress) is placed before the stressed syllable below [‘,] .
A long sound is indicated [:] colon.

In the last lesson we learned that there are 26 letters in the English language, of which 6 are vowels and 20 are consonants. It is very important to feel the difference between a letter and a sound. We write and read letters, and pronounce and hear sounds. Therefore, the next thing we have to remember is that the 26 letters of the English language convey 44 sounds.

26 letters = 44 sounds:

20 consonant letters - convey 24 consonant sound,
6 vowel letters - convey 20 vowel sounds.

Transcription signs of English sounds

Reading transcriptions or pronunciation of English sounds.

Now let's figure out how these sounds are pronounced. Take a close look at these tables. They will help you a lot in the future.

Vowel sounds

Sound	Description
[i]	Reminds me of Russian [i]. Brief. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is at the base of the lower teeth.
[ i:]	Reminds me of Russian [i] in the word willow. Long. The length of the sound, like all long vowels, varies depending on its position in the word. This sound is longest at the end of a word before a pause, somewhat shorter before a voiced consonant and rather short before a voiceless consonant.
[ e]	Reminds me of the sound [e] in words these, tin. Brief. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is at the lower teeth. The lips are slightly stretched. The lower jaw should not be lowered.
[æ]	Reminds me of the Russian [e] in the word this. Brief. When pronouncing, the lips are slightly stretched, the lower jaw is lowered, and the tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth.
[ǝ]	It is called a neutral vowel and is the result of reduction, i.e. weakening of vowels in unstressed position. It is something between the sounds [e] and [a].
[ɒ]	Reminds me of Russian [o]. Brief. When pronouncing, the speech organs occupy the same position as when pronouncing a sound, the lips are rounded and moved forward.
[ɔ:]	Reminds me of Russian [o]. Long. When pronouncing, the speech organs occupy the same position as when pronouncing a sound, the lips are rounded and moved forward.
[ a:]	Reminds me of Russian [a]. Long. When pronouncing English [a], the mouth is open almost like for Russian [a]. The tip of the tongue is pulled away from the lower teeth. Lips are neutral. Before a voiced consonant it is shortened slightly, and before a voiceless consonant it is shortened significantly.
[ʌ]	Reminds me of Russian [a] in words what, bass. Brief. When pronouncing, the tongue is pulled back, the lips are slightly stretched, and the distance between the jaws is quite large.
[ ʊ ]	Reminds me of Russian [u]. Brief. When pronouncing, the lips hardly move forward, but are noticeably rounded. The tongue is pulled back.
[ u:]	Reminds me of Russian [u]. Long. When pronouncing, the lips are strongly rounded, but moved forward much less than when pronouncing Russian [у]. Longer than the Russian equivalent. This sound is often preceded by the sound [j]. When pronouncing a sound combination, you must ensure that the sound is not softened.
[ɜ:]	Vaguely reminiscent of Russian [ё]. Long. When pronouncing, the body of the tongue is raised, the lips are maximally tense and slightly stretched, slightly exposing the teeth, the distance between the jaws is small.

Consonants

Sound	Description
[ b]	Reminds me of Russian [b]. Voiced.
[ p]	Reminds me of Russian [p]. It is pronounced with aspiration, especially noticeable before a stressed vowel. Deaf.
[ d]	Reminds me of Russian [d]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is raised and pressed against the alveoli (the lumpy area behind the upper teeth). Voiced.
[ t]	Reminds me of Russian [t]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is raised and pressed against the alveoli (the lumpy area behind the upper teeth). It is pronounced with aspiration before vowels. Deaf.
[ g]	Reminds me of Russian [g]. Pronounced less tensely. It is not stunned at the end of the word.
[ k]	Reminds me of Russian [k]. Pronounced with aspiration.
[ j]	Reminds me of Russian [th]. Always precedes a vowel.
[ m]	Reminds me of Russian [m]. When pronouncing, the lips are closed more tightly than when pronouncing the corresponding Russian [m], the air exits through the nose.
[n]	Reminds me of Russian [n]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is raised and pressed against the alveoli (the lumpy area behind the upper teeth).
[ l]	Reminds me of Russian [l]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is raised and pressed against the alveoli (the lumpy area behind the upper teeth), the lateral edges of the tongue are lowered.
[ r]	Reminds me of Russian [r]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is behind the alveoli. The tongue is tense, and the tip is not mobile. Pronounced without vibration.
[ s]	Reminds me of Russian [s]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is against the alveoli. Deaf.
[ z]	Reminds me of Russian [z]. When pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is against the alveoli. Voiced.
[ʃ]	Reminds me of Russian [sh]. Softer than its Russian counterpart, but care must be taken that it does not become really soft. Deaf
[ tʃ]	Reminds me of Russian [ch]. It is pronounced more firmly compared to its Russian counterpart. Pronounced by touching the tip of the tongue to the alveoli. Deaf.
[ dƷ]	Reminds me of Russian [j]. It is pronounced in the same way as, but only loudly with a voice.
[ŋ]	Reminds me of Russian [n]. In order to pronounce the sound correctly, you need to inhale through your nose with your mouth wide open, and then pronounce the sound [ŋ], exhaling air through your nose.
[ θ ]	There are no analogues in the Russian language. Vaguely reminiscent of Russian [c]. Deaf (no voice). When pronouncing, the tongue is spread over the lower teeth and not tense. The tip of the tongue forms a narrow gap with the upper teeth. Air passes through this gap. The tip of the tongue should not protrude too much and press against upper teeth. The teeth are exposed, especially the lower ones. The lower lip does not touch the upper teeth.
[ð]	There are no analogues in the Russian language. Vaguely reminiscent of Russian [z]. Voiced (with voice). The organs of speech occupy the same position as when pronouncing the sound [θ].
[ f]	Reminds me of Russian [f]. When pronouncing, the lower lip is lightly pressed against the upper teeth. Pronounced more energetically than the corresponding Russian [f]. Deaf.
[ v]	Reminds me of Russian [v]. When pronouncing, the lower lip is lightly pressed against the upper teeth. Voiced.
[ w]	Reminds me of a combination of Russian sounds [uv]. When pronouncing, the lips are rounded and significantly extended forward. A stream of exhaled air passes through a round gap formed between the lips. The lips part vigorously.
[ h]	Reminiscent of Russian [x], but unlike it without the participation of language. In English, it occurs only before vowels and represents a light, barely audible exhalation.
[Ʒ]	Reminds me of the Russian sound [zh]. Softer compared to the Russian counterpart. Voiced.

Diphthongs (two vowels)

Two-vowel sounds (diphthongs)- they consist of two sounds, but are pronounced as one whole, the second sound is pronounced a little weaker.

Sound	Description
[ ei]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [hey]. Care should be taken that the second element of the diphthong does not turn into the sound [th].
[ ai]	Reminds me of the Russian sounds [ai] in the word tea. Care should be taken that the second element of the diphthong does not turn into the sound [th].
[ɔ i]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [oops]. Care should be taken that the second element of the diphthong does not turn into the sound [th].
[ɛǝ]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [ea].
[ jʊǝ]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [iue].
[ aʊǝ]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [aue].
[ aʊ]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [au].
[ ǝʊ ]	Reminds me of Russian [eu]. It begins with a vowel, which is something between Russian [o] and [e]. When pronouncing, the lips are slightly stretched and rounded.
[ iǝ]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [ie].

Sound combinations

Sound	Description
[ pl]	[pl]. Before a stressed vowel it is pronounced together. The sound [p] is pronounced so energetically that the sound [l] is deafened.
[ kl]	Reminds me of Russian sounds [cl]. Just like , before a stressed vowel it is pronounced together, and the sound [k] is pronounced more energetically, so that the sound [l] is partially deafened.
[ aiǝ]	Reminds me of [ae]. When pronouncing, you should make sure that the sound [j] is not heard in the middle of this sound combination.
[ auǝ]	Reminds me of [aue]. When pronouncing, you should ensure that the sound [w] is not heard in the middle of this sound combination.
	When pronounced, the sound [w] is not softened, and the sound [ǝ:] is not replaced by Russian [e] or [o].

Also, these tables are in a compact form in the spoller (button below), if it is convenient for you, you can print them out for study.

The phonetics of the English language is so complex and interesting that we have devoted more than one article to it. Here you can find, and here you will find English words. General information is described in this article, but today we want to talk about how English sounds are pronounced correctly. This will help us English transcription and a convenient table of English sounds with pronunciation.

Why does the pronunciation of English sounds raise so many questions? Primarily due to the discrepancy in the number of letters and sounds in the English language. Letters in english alphabet almost half as much (26 letters and 48 sounds). Consequently, the pronunciation of sounds cannot be correlated each with its own letter. Hence the confusion. More precisely, certain conditions that allow one to master English pronunciation Right.

What determines the pronunciation of English sounds?

As long as we read “to ourselves,” that is, silently, we will not be able to recognize the sound English words. Only pronunciation out loud allows you to cope with practical phonetics. But in practice, the sounds of the English language and their pronunciation directly depend on the so-called articulation. That is, on how we use the organs of speech.

The organs of speech, or articulatory apparatus, are the larynx, tongue (tip of the tongue, front part of the tongue, middle part and back part of the tongue with the root), soft and hard palate, teeth of the upper and lower jaw, lips, nasopharynx. The whole system organs involved in the creation of speech and voice sounds.

To pronounce all sounds correctly, you need to use all organs of articulation. Moreover, different sounds require different organs. For example, to pronounce voiceless consonant sounds, the vocal cords are not tense and are spread apart. But for vowels and voiced consonants, you need to tense your vocal cords and literally make them vibrate. Of course, this is not done consciously. Correct pronunciation of sounds itself “turns on” certain parts of the articulatory apparatus. But for correct English pronunciation it is useful to know exactly how sounds appear.

Pronunciation of vowel sounds and their types in English

There are two types of vowel sounds in English:

Monophthongs- these are vowel sounds, during the pronunciation of which the articulation does not change throughout the entire period of sound. Example of a monophthong: [ɔː].
Diphthongs- These are vowel sounds consisting of two components. When pronouncing a diphthong, the speech organs first take one position to pronounce the first component, and then change position to pronounce the second component. The first component is called the diphthong nucleus and is longer and more distinct. The second component of the diphthong sounds shorter and gives the sound a certain “shade” of sound. Diphthong example: .

Consonant sounds are divided into more varieties:

1) Labial consonants:

labiolabials are articulated with both lips: [w], [m], [p], [b]

labiodental are pronounced with the lower lip and upper teeth: [f], [v].

2) Forelingual consonants:

interdental, when the surface of the front part of the tongue forms an incomplete barrier with the upper teeth: [θ], [ð]

apical-alveolar, leading edge tongue raised to the alveolar arch: [t], [d], [n], [l], [s], [z], [∫], [ʒ], ,

kakuminal-zaalveolar, the anterior edge of the tongue is raised upward and slightly curved towards the posterior slope of the alveoli: [r].

3) Middle language consonants, the barrier is formed by raising the middle part of the tongue to the hard palate: [j].

4) Rear lingual consonants that are articulated by raising the back of the tongue to the soft palate: [k], [g], [ŋ].

5) Laryngeal there is only one consonant in English: [h].

6) Stops consonants: [p], [b], [t], [d], [k], [g], [m], [n], [ŋ], , .

7) Slotted consonants: [f], [v], [θ], [ð], [s], [z], [∫], [ʒ], [h], [w], [l], [r], [j].

8) Stops noisy consonants:

explosive, when the complete obstruction opens, air leaves the oral cavity, producing an explosion noise: [p], [b], [t], [d], [k], [g]

affricates, when the opening of the speech organs, forming a complete obstruction, occurs smoothly: , .

9) Fricatives consonants: [f], [v], [θ], [ð], [s], [z], [∫], [ʒ], [h].

10) Nasals sonants, a complete obstruction is formed in the oral cavity, the soft palate descends, and air exits through the nasal cavity: [m], [n], [ŋ].

11) Oral sonants: [w], [r], [j], [l].

English sounds and their pronunciation

Reading aloud and pronouncing English sounds is the best, if not the only, way to get rid of a Russian accent in colloquial speech. And for beginners learning English, this is an opportunity to immediately remember how to pronounce sounds in English correctly. All of them are collected in tables of English sounds with pronunciation:

English vowel sounds. English Vowel Sounds
Sound	Description	Example words
iː	Long vowel sound. When pronouncing a sound, the tongue is in the front of the mouth. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth. The middle part of the tongue is raised high to the hard palate. The lips are somewhat stretched.	feel read
	Short vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [ɪ], the tongue is in the front of the mouth. The middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate, but not as high as when pronouncing the Russian sound [i]. The tip of the tongue is at the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched.	unit wind
	Short vowel sound. Pronounced with a slight rounding of the lips. When pronouncing the sound [ʊ], the tongue is in the back of the mouth, but not very far. The back of the back of the tongue is raised to the front of the soft palate, but not as high as when pronouncing the Russian sound [у]. The lips are slightly rounded, but hardly move forward.	put look
	Long vowel sound. When pronouncing a sound, the tongue is at the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is significantly raised. The lips are rounded, but slightly. Towards the end of pronouncing the sound, the lips become more rounded.	noon blue
	Short vowel sound. When pronouncing the vowel sound [e], the tongue is in the front of the mouth. The tip of the tongue is at the base of the lower teeth, the middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate. The lips are slightly stretched. When pronouncing the sound [e], you should not lower your lower jaw.	bed desk
	Short neutral vowel sound. This sound is always unstressed, so it is very easily influenced by neighboring sounds. When pronouncing the sound [ə] at the beginning or middle of words, the entire tongue is slightly raised. The sound [ə] should not be similar to the Russian sounds [e], [a] or [s].	again under
	Long vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [ɜː], the tongue is raised, the back of the tongue lies flat. The tip of the tongue is located at the lower teeth. The teeth are slightly exposed, the distance between the upper and lower teeth is small. The lips are tense and slightly stretched.	work burn
	Long vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [ɔː], the tongue is in the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is raised towards the soft palate. The lips are slightly pushed forward and significantly rounded.	small morning
	Semi-long vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [æ], the mouth is quite wide open, the tongue is in the front of the oral cavity, lies flat in the mouth, and its middle part is slightly raised. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth. The lips are somewhat stretched, and the corners of the lips are slightly pulled to the sides. There is no such sound in the Russian language.	bad exam
	Short vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [ʌ], the mouth is half-open, the lips are neutral, the tongue is slightly moved back. The back of the tongue is slightly raised.	nut cut
	Long vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [ɑː], the tongue is in the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is slightly raised. The tip of the tongue is pulled away from the lower teeth, the lips are neutral, that is, not stretched or pushed forward. You should not open your mouth wide.	dark are
	Short vowel sound. When pronouncing the sound [ɒ], the tongue is in the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is slightly raised. The mouth is wide open, lips are rounded.	not wash

The length of vowel sounds, which is indicated by a colon in transcription, is very important. If you do not take into account the duration of vowels, you can confuse the meaning of words. For example: the short sound ship [ʃɪp] - ship and the long sound sheep [ʃiːp] - ram.

English diphthongs. English Diphthongs
Sound	Description	Example words
ɪə	Diphthong. The core is the vowel sound [ɪ]. After pronouncing the sound [ɪ], the tongue moves towards the center in the direction of the neutral vowel [ə], which has a connotation of the sound [ʌ].	real beer
	The core of a diphthong is the vowel sound [e]. After pronouncing [e], the tongue makes a slight upward movement in the direction of the sound [ɪ], but without achieving its full formation.	say table
	The core of a diphthong is the vowel sound [ʊ]. After pronouncing the sound [ʊ], the tongue moves towards the center in the direction of the neutral vowel [ə], which has a connotation of the sound [ʌ].	tour jury
	The core of a diphthong is a vowel, which is a sound intermediate between [ɒ] and [ɔː]. After pronouncing the first element of the diphthong, the tongue moves in the direction of the vowel sound [ɪ].	boy noise
	The diphthong core is close in sound to the vowel sound [ɜː], after pronouncing which the tongue makes a slight upward movement and moves back in the direction of the vowel sound [ʊ]. At the beginning of the pronunciation of the diphthong, the lips are slightly rounded, then gradually the lips are rounded even more.	coat flow
	The core of the diphthong is a vowel, similar to the Russian sound [e] in the word this, after the pronunciation of which the tongue moves in the direction of the neutral vowel [ə] with a hint of the sound [ʌ].	where their
	The core of the diphthong is a vowel, similar to the Russian sound [a] in the word tea, when pronounced the tongue is in the front of the mouth and lies flat. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched. After pronouncing the first element of the diphthong, the tongue moves upward in the direction of the sound [ɪ].	five my
	The core of the diphthong is a vowel, similar to the Russian sound [a] in the word tea, when pronounced the tongue is in the front of the mouth and lies flat. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched. After pronouncing the first element of the diphthong, the tongue moves back in the direction of the sound [ʊ], which should be very weak.	how cloud

Pronunciation of consonants in English

If you have noticed that the intonations of the English language are more energetic compared to Russian, then this fully applies to English words. And that means sounds. English consonants are pronounced energetically, with large impulses and energy expenditure. Keep this in mind when reading tables of English consonant sounds with pronunciation:

English consonant sounds. English Consonant Sounds
Sound	Description	Example word
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [b], the lips first close and then immediately open, and the air escapes through the oral cavity.
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [d], the tip of the tongue is pressed against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [ʒ], the tip of the tongue is at the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), and the middle part of the tongue is raised towards the hard palate.
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing a sound, the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), at the same time the middle part of the tongue rises to the hard palate. Gradually, the tip of the tongue moves away from the alveoli. The sound is pronounced similar, but loudly, with a voice.
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [ɡ], the back of the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [v], the lower lip is slightly pressed against the upper teeth, and a stream of exhaled air passes into the gap between them.
	Voiced interdental consonant sound. To pronounce the sound [ð] correctly, you need to place the tip of your tongue between your teeth. The tongue should be flat and not tense, and the teeth should be exposed. The tip of the tongue forms a small gap between the teeth, and you need to exhale air into this gap.
	Voiced consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [z], the tip of the tongue is against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth). A stream of air with friction passes through a groove formed between the anterior back of the tongue and the alveoli.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing the sound [p], the lips first close and then instantly open, and the air escapes through the oral cavity.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing a dull sound [t], the tip of the tongue is pressed against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing the sound [ʃ], the tip of the tongue is at the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), and the middle part of the tongue is raised towards the hard palate.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing a sound, the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), at the same time the middle part of the tongue rises to the hard palate. Gradually, the tip of the tongue moves away from the alveoli.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing the sound [k], the back of the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing the sound [f], the lower lip is slightly pressed against the upper teeth, and a stream of exhaled air passes into the gap between them.
	Voiceless interdental consonant. To pronounce the sound [θ] correctly, you need to place the tip of your tongue between your teeth. The tongue should be flat and not tense, and the teeth should be exposed. The tip of the tongue forms a small gap between the teeth, and you need to exhale air into this gap.
	Voiceless consonant. When pronouncing the sound [s], the tip of the tongue is against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth). A stream of air with friction passes through a groove formed between the anterior back of the tongue and the alveoli.
	Labialial consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [m], the lips are closed, the soft palate is lowered, and a stream of air passes through the nasal cavity.
	Nasal consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [n], the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), the soft palate is lowered, and air passes through the nasal cavity.
	Nasal consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [ŋ], the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, the soft palate is lowered, and air passes through the nasal cavity.
	Voiceless consonant. The sound [h] is formed without the participation of the tongue, and at the moment of its pronunciation the tongue takes the position for the subsequent vowel.
	Consonant. When pronouncing the sound [l], the tip of the tongue is pressed against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), but the lateral edges of the tongue are lowered, forming a passage for a stream of air.
	Consonant. When pronouncing the sound [r], the tip of the tongue is raised to the posterior slope of the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth). The tip of the tongue should be kept tense and motionless.
	Labialial consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [w], the lips are strongly rounded and moved forward, forming a round slit. The back of the tongue is raised towards the soft palate. Then instantly the tongue and lips move into position to pronounce the next vowel.
	Consonant. When pronouncing the sound [j], the middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate, but not as high as when pronouncing Russian [th]. The edges of the tongue are pressed against the upper teeth, forming a passage for air along the middle of the tongue.

All these subtleties may seem complicated only in theory. In practice, the position of the tongue and lips is memorized after several repetitions. A best exercises to practice pronunciation of English sounds - this is also practice. Listen to the speech of native speakers, high-quality audiobooks (by the way, this is an excellent one) and try to repeat the pronunciation of words.

You should always pay attention to the nuances of sound, because in learning English there are no insignificant details, every detail is important. But this approach will give the desired result: correct English pronunciation of sounds and words, and as a result - clear speech without an accent.

There are 26 letters in the English language. In different combinations and positions they represent 44 sounds.
In the English language, there are 24 consonant sounds, and they are represented in writing by 20 letters: Bb; Cc; Dd; Ff; Gg ; Hh; Jj; Kk; LI; mm; Nn; Pp; Qq; Rr; Ss; Tt; Vv; Ww; Xx; Zz.
In the English language, there are 12 vowel sounds and 8 diphthongs, and they are represented in writing by 6 letters: Aa; Ee; li; Oo; Uu; Yy.

Video:

[English language. Beginner course. Maria Rarenko. First educational channel.]

Transcription and stress

Phonetic transcription is international system icons needed to show you exactly how to pronounce words. Each sound is shown with a separate icon. These icons are always written in square brackets.
The transcription indicates verbal stress (which syllable in the word the stress falls on). Accent mark [‘] placed before the stressed syllable.

English consonants

English consonants expressed by letters b, f, g, m, s, v, z, are close in pronunciation to the corresponding Russian consonants, but should sound more energetic and intense.
English consonants are not softened.
Voiced consonants are never deafened - neither before voiceless consonants, nor at the end of a word.
Double consonants, that is, two identical consonants next to each other, are always pronounced as one sound.
Some English consonants are pronounced aspirated: the tip of the tongue must be pressed firmly against the alveoli (the tubercles where the teeth are attached to the gums). Then the air between the tongue and teeth will pass with force, and the result will be a noise (explosion), that is, aspiration.

Rules for reading consonant letters in English: ,

Table of pronunciation of English consonants
Phonetic transcription	Examples
[b]	b ad, b ox	voiced sound corresponding to Russian [b] in the word b rat
[p]	o p en, p et	a dull sound corresponding to the Russian [p] in the word n ero, but pronounced aspirated
[d]	d i d, d ay	a voiced sound similar to Russian [d] in the word d ohm, but more energetic, “sharper”; when pronouncing it, the tip of the tongue rests on the alveoli
[t]	t ea, t ake	unvoiced sound corresponding to Russian [t] in the word T hermos, but is pronounced aspirated, with the tip of the tongue resting on the alveoli
[v]	v oice, v isit	voiced sound corresponding to Russian [v] in the word V osk, but more energetic
[f]	f ind, f ine	a dull sound corresponding to the Russian [f] in the word f inic, but more energetic
[z]	z oo, ha s	voiced sound corresponding to Russian [z] in the word h ima
[s]	s un, s ee	unvoiced sound corresponding to Russian [s] in the word With silt, but more energetic; when pronouncing, the tip of the tongue is raised towards the alveoli
[g]	g ive, g o	voiced sound corresponding to Russian [g] in the word G Irya, but pronounced softer
[k]	c at, c an	a dull sound corresponding to the Russian [k] in the word To mouth, but pronounced more energetically and aspiratedly
[ʒ]	vi si on, plea sur e	voiced sound corresponding to Russian [zh] in the word and macaw, but pronounced more tense and softer
[ʃ]	sh e, Ru ss ia	a dull sound corresponding to the Russian [ш] in the word w ina, but pronounced softer, for which you need to raise it to the hard palate middle part dorsum of tongue
[j]	y ellow, y ou	a sound similar to the Russian sound [th] in a word th od, but pronounced more energetically and intensely
[l]	l itt l e, l ike	sound similar to Russian [l] in the word l Isa, but you need the tip of the tongue to touch the alveoli
[m]	m an m erry	sound similar to Russian [m] in the word m ir, but more energetic; when pronouncing it, you need to close your lips more tightly
[n]	n o, n ame	sound similar to Russian [n] in the word n OS, but when pronouncing it, the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli, and the soft palate is lowered, and air passes through the nose
[ŋ]	si ng,fi ng er	a sound in which the soft palate is lowered and touches the back of the tongue, and air passes through the nose. Pronounced like Russian [ng] is incorrect; there must be a nasal sound
[r]	r ed, r abbit	a sound, when pronounced with the raised tip of the tongue, you need to touch the middle part of the palate, above the alveoli; tongue doesn't vibrate
[h]	h elp, h ow	sound reminiscent of Russian [х] as in the word X aos, but almost silent (barely audible exhalation), for which it is important not to press the tongue to the palate
[w]	w et, w inter	a sound similar to a very quickly pronounced Russian [ue] in a word Ue ls; in this case, the lips need to be rounded and pushed forward, and then vigorously moved apart
	j ust, j ump	sound similar to [j] in a Russian loanword j inces, but more energetic and softer. You cannot pronounce [d] and [ʒ] separately
	ch eck, mu ch	sound similar to Russian [ch] in a word h ac, but harder and more intense. You cannot pronounce [t] and [ʃ] separately
[ð]	th is, th ey	a ringing sound, when pronounced, the tip of the tongue must be placed between the upper and lower teeth and then quickly removed. Do not clamp the flat tongue between your teeth, but slightly push it into the gap between them. This sound (since it is voiced) is pronounced with the participation vocal cords. Similar to Russian [z] interdental
[θ]	th ink, seven th	a dull sound that is pronounced in the same way as [ð], but without a voice. Similar to Russian [s] interdental

English vowel sounds

from other letters standing next to it, in front of it or behind it;
from being in a shock or non-stress position.

Rules for reading vowels in English: ,

Pronunciation table for simple English vowel sounds
Phonetic transcription	Examples	Approximate matches in Russian
[æ]	c a t,bl a ck	a short sound, intermediate between the Russian sounds [a] and [e]. To make this sound, when pronouncing Russian [a], you need to open your mouth wide and place your tongue low. Simply pronouncing Russian [e] is wrong
[ɑ:]	ar m, f a ther	a long sound, similar to Russian [a], but it is much longer and deeper. When pronouncing it, you need to yawn, but not open your mouth wide, while pulling your tongue back
[ʌ]	c u p, r u n	a short sound similar to the Russian unstressed [a] in the word With A yes. To make this sound, when pronouncing Russian [a], you need to almost not open your mouth, while slightly stretching your lips and moving your tongue back a little. Simply pronouncing Russian [a] is wrong
[ɒ]	n o t, h o t	short sound similar to Russian [o] in the word d O m, but when pronouncing it you need to completely relax your lips; for Russian [o] they are slightly tense
[ɔ:]	sp o rt, f ou r	a long sound, similar to Russian [o], but it is much longer and deeper. When pronouncing it, you need to yawn, as if with your mouth half-open, and your lips tense and rounded
[ə]	a bout, a lias	a sound that is often found in the Russian language is always in an unstressed position. In English, this sound is also always unstressed. It does not have a clear sound and is referred to as an unclear sound (it cannot be replaced by any clear sound)
[e]	m e t,b e d	a short sound similar to Russian [e] under stress in words such as uh you, pl e d etc. English consonants before this sound cannot be softened
[ɜː]	w or k, l ear n	this sound does not exist in the Russian language, and it is very difficult to pronounce. Reminds me of Russian sound in words m e d, St. e cla, but you need to pull it out much longer and at the same time stretch your lips strongly without opening your mouth (you get a skeptical smile)
[ɪ]	i t, p i t	a short sound similar to the Russian vowel in a word w And* t*. You need to pronounce it abruptly
	h e, s ee	a long sound, similar to Russian [i] under stress, but longer, and they pronounce it as if with a smile, stretching their lips. There is a Russian sound close to it in the word poem II
[ʊ]	l oo k, p u t	a short sound that can be compared with the Russian unstressed [u], but it is pronounced energetically and with completely relaxed lips (lips cannot be pulled forward)
	bl u e, f oo d	a long sound, quite similar to the Russian percussion [u], but still not the same. To make it work, when pronouncing Russian [u], you must not pull your lips into a tube, do not push them forward, but round them and smile slightly. Like other long English vowels, it needs to be drawn out much longer than Russian [u]

Diphthong pronunciation table
Phonetic transcription	Examples	Approximate matches in Russian
	f i ve, ey e	diphthong, similar to the combination of sounds in Russian words ah And h ah
[ɔɪ]	n oi se, v oi ce	somehow. The second element, the sound [ɪ], is very short
	br a ve, afr ai d	a diphthong similar to a combination of sounds in a Russian word w to her* ka*. The second element, the sound [ɪ], is very short
	t ow n, n ow	a diphthong similar to a combination of sounds in a Russian word With aw on. The first element is the same as in ; the second element, the sound [ʊ], is very short
[əʊ]	h o me, kn ow	a diphthong similar to a combination of sounds in a Russian word cl oh n, if you do not pronounce it deliberately syllable by syllable (in this case, the consonance resembles ew ). Pronouncing this diphthong as a pure Russian consonance [ou] is wrong
[ɪə]	d ea r, h e re	a diphthong, similar to the combination of sounds in the Russian word such; consists of short sounds [ɪ] and [ə]
	wh e re,th e re	a diphthong, similar to the combination of sounds in the Russian word dlinnosheye, if you do not pronounce it syllable by syllable. Behind the sound resembling Russian [e] in the word uh That, followed by the second element, an unclear short sound [ə]
[ʊə]	t ou r, p oo r	a diphthong in which [ʊ] is followed by a second element, an unclear short sound [ə]. When pronouncing [ʊ], lips should not be pulled forward