IPAu

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.

Voicing

Voiced

Place of Articulation

Central (Mid-Low)

Manner of Articulation

Open-mid back unrounded vowel

Mouth 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

kʌp

luck

lʌk

son

sʌn

does

dʌz

fun

fʌn

ʌp

but

bʌt

study

ˈstʌdi

love

lʌv

come

kʌm

Pronunciation Practice

11 words

Speak the words aloud to get instant feedback on your pronunciation

Quick Practice

3-5 essential words

Full Practice

All 11 words

Minimal Pairs

Listen and compare similar sounds

cup

kʌp

Compare with

cap

kæp

luck

lʌk

Compare with

lock

lɑk

hut

hʌt

Compare with

hot

hɑt

but

bʌt

Compare with

bat

bæt

Tongue 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.”

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