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Vowel

Short A

The short "a" sound as in "cat" or "hat".

a
Phonetic System (Merriam-Webster):a

Watch the Sound

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Example Words

Main Example

cat
Phonetic: kæt

Common Words

catkæt
hathæt
batbæt
mapmæp
satsæt
happyˈhæpi
appleˈæpəl

Minimal Pairs

Listen and compare similar sounds

a
cat
kæt
Compare with
C
cut
kʌt
a
hat
hæt
Compare with
H
hot
hɑt

Tongue Twister

The fat cat sat on a black mat and ate a tasty snack.

Try it yourself

Practice saying this tongue twister

Technical Details

  • CategoryVowel
  • VoicingVoiced
  • Place of ArticulationFront (Low)
  • Manner of ArticulationVowel (Open/Front)
  • Mouth PositionThe mouth is open, lips spread slightly. The tongue is flat and low in the mouth.