Sounds of letter U

How do we pronounce U and combinations starting with U in stressed syllables? Let's study cases and examples.

1) /juː/

This long sound will often occur when

• the word begins with u
• there is a pattern U_сonsonant_E
• in the combination ue, even if the syllable is not stressed
• in some other words, we should learn those words together with their pronunciation

2) /ʊ/

If you have a closed syllable, i.e. when u is between two consonants, it might also be read /ʊ/ in some words.

3) /ɜː/

The combination ur almost always produces the long sound /ɜː/.

4) /jʊə/ or /ʊə/

Don't confuse ur with ure, this combination is generally pronounced /jʊə/ or /ʊə/.

5) /ʌ/

If u is between two consonants in a stressed syllable, it will be pronounced /ʌ/ in most words.

6) /ɪ/

There are two words where u and ui become short /ɪ/. You have to remember them.