How to Pronounce /i/
The Long “ee” Sound in English

American English Pronunciation Lesson

You can hear the /i/ sound in words like see, green, and team. It’s one of the most frequent vowel sounds in English.
This page gives you the essentials — spelling patterns and quick minimal pairs.

Common Spellings of /i/

  • ee – see, green, need
  • e – me, he
  • ea – team, leaf
  • ie – piece, field
  • ei – ceiling

Minimal Pairs

  • see — sit
  • reach — rich
  • leave — live

Mouth Position

The /i/ sound is a high front vowel with spread lips and a tense tongue. Try smiling slightly as you say it.

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