Pronounce Y in American English

Y is an interesting letter because it can work as both a consonant and a vowel, depending on where it is in a word or syllable. Let’s look at how to pronounce y in American English.

You can go online and learn more about how to pronounce y, but I want to give you a very simple explanation as you learn to use this sound in words and sentences.

How to Pronounce Y as a Consonant
at the Beginning of a Word

When the y sound appears at the beginning of a word or a syllable and before a vowel, (as in the words yes and loyal), it is a consonant. Except for the words I and a, every word in English needs at least one consonant.

The sound of y can be described as a combination of the long e sound /i/ and the short open u sound /ʌ/. Listen to this sound and repeat with me:

In words, this sound is spoken quickly. You will keep the long e sound, and the “uh” will be present, though very reduced. Repeat these words with me:

you, yesterday, yet, young

Practice these words with Y

As you say these words, notice that your tongue and teeth will be in position to make the long e sound, but your lips may begin to make the position they need for the vowel sound that follows y. A very slight “uh” sound will appear between y and the vowel that follows y. Listen and repeat these words with me:

yam, yard, yellow, year, yogurt, few, use

Practice more words with Y

How to Pronounce Y as a Vowel at the End of a Word

Y is very common at the end of English words. It can make different sounds according to the letter that comes before it. This is more about spelling than it is about pronunciation, so we will cover this more in-depth in the spelling section (coming soon.)

For now, just remember that when you see y at the end of a word, it will often have the long e sound. Listen and repeat these words with me:

happy, lady, dirty, easy, day, obey, boy