One of the most common challenges for Spanish, Portuguese, and French speakers is distinguishing between the Short E /ɛ/ (as in met) and the Long A /eɪ/ (as in mate).
The Difference
The Short E is a relaxed, open sound. Your mouth is slightly open, and your tongue rests in the middle.
The Long A is a diphthong—it starts as an 'e' and glides into an 'i'. Your jaw moves up as you say it. It's longer and more tense.