English Phonetic Symbols

Reference of English phonetic symbols with example pronunciations.

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Voice

How to use

Vowels — sounds made without blocking airflow.

Diphthongs — gliding vowel sounds.

Consonants — sounds that block airflow.

Voiced — vocal cords vibrate. Voiceless — they don't.

IPA chart44 shown

Tool Introduction

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcribes how English is pronounced. This chart uses the Received Pronunciation (British) system. Click any symbol to copy it. The long vowel mark ː (as in /iː/) distinguishes short and long vowels in British English; American dictionaries often drop it.