Skip to main content
f
Consonant

voiceless labiodental fricative

Example words

fishcoffeeleaf

Highlighted letters show where /f/ is typically spelled.

How to produce this sound

SoundVoiceless labiodental fricative.
TongueKeep the tongue neutral while the constriction happens at the lips/teeth. Form a narrow constriction to generate continuous, controlled friction.
LipsTouch the lower lip lightly to the upper teeth and control airflow there.
JawKeep the jaw slightly open and stable so the channel stays consistent.
VoiceKeep vocal folds apart (no voicing) and let airflow drive the segment.

Hear it in context with IPAtics

Select any text and get instant IPA transcription with per-phoneme pronunciation coaching. Free for macOS and Windows.

Download IPAtics
← All phonemes