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/dʒ/ and /y/ Sounds

Master the difference between the stopping J sound and the continuous Y sound! Learn consonant distinction techniques.

🎯 /dʒ/ (joke) vs /y/ (you)

These sounds are made differently: /dʒ/ stops and releases air, while /y/ flows continuously.
/dʒ/
J Sound (joke)
Stopping and releasing air
Say /dʒ/ with a vibrating sound
Like a quick burst
joy, eject, edge
/y/
Y Sound (you)
Continuous vibrating sound
Say /y/ with a flowing vibration
Like a smooth glide
year, museum, behavior

🌊 Airflow Demonstration

/dʒ/ - Stopping and Releasing
💥
Stop → Release
Air is blocked then quickly released
Creates a burst sound
Click to see the burst effect
/y/ - Continuous Flow
🌊
Continuous Flow
Air flows smoothly without stopping
Creates a gliding sound
Click to see the wave effect
⚠️ Common Problems

If /dʒ/ is replaced with /y/: the word "joke" sounds like "yoke"

If /y/ is replaced with /dʒ/: the word "year" sounds like "jeer"

📚 Practice Words

🎯 /dʒ/ Words (Stopping Sound)
joy
eject
edge
joke
jump
judge
🎯 /y/ Words (Continuous Sound)
year
museum
behavior
you
yellow
young

🎧 Position Practice

Listen to words with /dʒ/ at the beginning, middle, and end!
Listen and Decide: Where is /dʒ/?
  • J at beginning: check
  • J in middle: magic
  • J at end: bridge
  • J beginning & middle: jungle
  • J in middle: major

🗣️ Sentence Practice

Practice with /y/ sounds in natural sentences!
Listen and Repeat
  • Nice to meet you
  • Yuri is 30 years old
  • Yes, you can state your opinion
  • She is beautiful
  • Have you seen my yellow yurt yet?

📊 Your Progress

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🎧 Listening Challenge

Listen carefully and identify which sound you hear!
Click "Play" to hear a word