Tongue Position for V
Produce the voiced labiodental /v/ sound correctly
Tongue Position Illustration
How to Produce the /v/ Sound
The /v/ sound is produced by placing your bottom lip against your upper front teeth. The tongue stays low and relaxed in the mouth. Your vocal cords vibrate to create the voiced sound. The position is identical to the /f/ sound, but with voicing added.
Side View
The bottom lip touches the upper front teeth. The tongue is low and relaxed.
Front View
The bottom lip is tucked under the top teeth, with a small opening for air to escape. The lips are slightly spread.
💡 Tip: Ensure your vocal cords are vibrating. Place your fingers on your throat to feel the vibration.
Practice Words for /v/
Listen and repeat these words to practice the /v/ sound:
Very
Voice
Love
Five
Visit
Vest
Vine
Vivid
Avoid
Eleven
Brave
Solve
Minimal Pairs: /v/ vs /f/
The /v/ and /f/ sounds are often confused. Practice these pairs to hear and produce the difference:
With /v/
Very
With /f/
Ferry
With /v/
Vine
With /f/
Fine
With /v/
Vat
With /f/
Fat
With /v/
Vest
With /f/
Fest
With /v/
Veer
With /f/
Fear
With /v/
Vie
With /f/
Phi
With /v/
Vain
With /f/
Fain
With /v/
Vows
With /f/
Foes
Common Mistakes with /v/
-
❌ Mistake: Confusing /v/ with /f/ (forgetting to voice)
✓ Fix: Remember to vibrate your vocal cords for /v/. Place your hand on your throat to feel the vibration. -
❌ Mistake: Placing the bottom lip too far inside the mouth
✓ Fix: The bottom lip should lightly touch the edge of the upper front teeth, not be tucked too far under. -
❌ Mistake: Making the sound too harsh or guttural
✓ Fix: Keep your mouth and lips relaxed. The airflow should be smooth.
Practice Tips for /v/
- 💡 Tip 1: Practice saying /f/ and then adding voice to transition to /v/.
- 💡 Tip 2: Use a mirror to ensure your bottom lip is making light contact with your upper teeth.
- 💡 Tip 3: Practice minimal pairs daily to train your ears to distinguish /v/ from /f/.
- 💡 Tip 4: Record yourself and compare with native speaker audio to check your progress.