How do you pronounce the "ơ" letter in Vietnamese?

Jun 27 2023

Pronouncing the "ơ" letter in Vietnamese can be a bit tricky for non-native speakers, but with practice and guidance, it becomes easier. This post will help you understand how to pronounce it correctly through detailed subsections.

Understanding the "ơ" sound

The "ơ" letter in Vietnamese is an unrounded, mid-central vowel, similar to the English schwa sound "ə" found in words like "sofa" or "comma". However, the "ơ" sound in Vietnamese is a bit more tense and held slightly longer than the English schwa. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), this sound is represented as /ɤ/.

Pronunciation techniques

To pronounce the "ơ" sound in Vietnamese, follow these steps:

  1. Open your mouth slightly, as if you're about to say "uh" or "oh."

  2. Relax your lips and don't round them. Your lips should be barely apart, with a small gap for the air to pass through.

  3. Place your tongue in the middle of your mouth and slightly lower the center of your tongue. The tip of your tongue should be touching the lower front teeth or slightly away from them.

  4. Produce the sound by letting the air pass through the small gap between your lips. Remember to make the sound more tense and a bit longer than the English schwa sound.

Examples of "ơ" in Vietnamese words

Here are a few examples of Vietnamese words containing the "ơ" sound to help you practice:

  • ơi - pronounced as /ɤi/, similar to "oy" in English

  • trời - pronounced as /ʈɤi/, almost like "troy" in English

  • sườn - pronounced as /suə̯n/, similar to "swan" with the schwa sound in the middle

  • ơ kìa - pronounced as /ɤ ki.a/, a Vietnamese expression similar to "oh look!" in English

It's important to keep practicing and listening to native Vietnamese speakers to master the "ơ" sound. With perseverance, your pronunciation will improve over time. Happy learning!