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Vowel
Short U / Strut Vowel
The mid-low back-central unrounded vowel sound heard in words like "cup", "luck", "son", and "does". Often called the STRUT vowel in linguistics, this sound is common in English and appears in many frequently used words.
Phonetic
uVoicing
VoicedPlace of Articulation
Central (Mid-Low)Manner of Articulation
Open-mid back unrounded vowelMouth Position
Jaw is mid-open, slightly lower than for schwa /ə/. Tongue is low-mid and in the center or slightly back of the mouth, relaxed. Lips are neutral, not rounded or spread. The sound is produced with an open throat and relaxed articulation.
How to Make This Sound
Quick Position
6 sec - quick reference
Professional Guide
Professional technique
Complete Lesson
8+ min - detailed lesson
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Watch the Sound
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Example Words
cupMain Example
kʌpluck
lʌkson
sʌndoes
dʌzfun
fʌnup
ʌpbut
bʌtstudy
ˈstʌdilove
lʌvcome
kʌmPronunciation Practice
11 words
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Quick Practice
3-5 essential words
Full Practice
All 11 words
Minimal Pairs
Listen and compare similar sounds
u
cup
kʌpCompare with
C
cap
kæpu
luck
lʌkCompare with
L
lock
lɑku
hut
hʌtCompare with
H
hot
hɑtu
but
bʌtCompare with
B
bat
bætTongue Twister
Practice: Vowel
“Uncle Russ runs under the rusty truck.|A bunch of funny ducks jump up and run.|The ugly puppy loves to cuddle up.|Bugs Bunny munches crunchy carrots.|Gus must rush to brush the bus dust.”
Practice this tongue twister to improve your pronunciation