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Vowel
Short A
The short "a" sound as in "cat" or "hat".
Phonetic
aVoicing
VoicedPlace of Articulation
Front (Low)Manner of Articulation
Vowel (Open/Front)Mouth Position
The mouth is open, lips spread slightly. The tongue is flat and low in the mouth.
How to Make This Sound
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Example Words
catMain Example
kæthat
hætbat
bætmap
mæpsat
sæthappy
ˈhæpiapple
ˈæpəlPronunciation Practice
8 words
Speak the words aloud to get instant feedback on your pronunciation
Quick Practice
3-5 essential words
Full Practice
All 8 words
Minimal Pairs
Listen and compare similar sounds
a
cat
kætCompare with
C
cut
kʌta
hat
hætCompare with
H
hot
hɑtTongue Twister
Practice: Vowel
“The fat cat sat on a black mat and ate a tasty snack.”
Practice this tongue twister to improve your pronunciation