/I/ Vs. /iy/ Kiss Vs Keys: American English Pronunciation Lesson

Nov 2, 2018
Pronunciation Lessons

Understanding the /I/ and /iy/ Vowel Sounds in American English Pronunciation

In this comprehensive American English pronunciation lesson from NJCLT, we will help you understand the differences between the /I/ (as in "kiss") and /iy/ (as in "keys") vowel sounds. Mastering these sounds is essential for clear communication and sounding more like a native English speaker.

What is the /I/ Vowel Sound?

The /I/ vowel sound is a slightly tense, short vowel sound produced towards the front of the mouth. It is commonly found in words like "kiss," "hit," and "ship." When producing this sound, the tongue is raised towards the roof of the mouth, but the lips remain relaxed.

What is the /iy/ Vowel Sound?

The /iy/ vowel sound is a tense, long vowel sound produced towards the front of the mouth with the tongue high in the mouth. Words like "keys," "beach," and "see" contain this sound. When producing /iy/, the lips are slightly spread.

Key Differences Between /I/ and /iy/ Vowel Sounds

It is important to understand the key differences between the /I/ and /iy/ vowel sounds to improve your English pronunciation:

  • Tongue Position: The /I/ sound is produced with a raised tongue towards the roof of the mouth, while the /iy/ sound requires an even higher position of the tongue.
  • Vowel Length: The /I/ sound is short, while /iy/ is a long sound that is held for a longer duration.
  • Lip Formation: The lips are relaxed for the /I/ sound, while they are slightly spread for the /iy/ sound.

Improving Pronunciation of /I/ and /iy/

To enhance your pronunciation of the /I/ and /iy/ vowel sounds, consider the following tips:

1. Listen and Imitate:

Listen to native English speakers pronouncing words with the /I/ and /iy/ sounds. Practice imitating their pronunciation and pay attention to the differences in tongue position and vowel length.

2. Record and Compare:

Record yourself speaking words with these vowel sounds. Compare your pronunciation with that of native speakers. Take note of any differences and work on adjusting your tongue position and vowel length accordingly.

3. Practice Minimal Pairs:

Engage in minimal pair exercises where you practice words that differ only in terms of the /I/ and /iy/ vowel sounds. This will help you distinguish between the two sounds and develop your listening skills.

4. Seek Professional Guidance:

Consider enrolling in a pronunciation course like the one offered by NJCLT. Our experienced coaches can provide personalized guidance and exercises to improve your pronunciation of the /I/ and /iy/ vowel sounds.

Conclusion

Mastering the /I/ and /iy/ vowel sounds is crucial for achieving clear and confident English pronunciation. With focused practice, careful listening, and the assistance of expert coaches at NJCLT, you can enhance your pronunciation skills and sound more like a native English speaker.

Tom Beaty
Great explanation, really helped clarify the pronunciation differences.
Oct 10, 2023
Tom Moyer
I'm thankful for the way you've simplified a complex topic. It's made a real difference for me.
Sep 20, 2023
Gina Houzenga
Your explanation about the placement of the tongue and lips was fantastic. I can finally correct my pronunciation.
Aug 19, 2023
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick
Mastering these vowel sounds will definitely elevate my English-speaking skills. Your guidance is invaluable.
Aug 2, 2023
Luis Scull
Your lesson has given me a newfound sense of confidence in my English pronunciation. I'm grateful for your expertise.
Jun 2, 2023
Bryan Doyle
The way you explained the differences in these vowel sounds has made it so much easier for me to grasp. Thank you for your expertise.
May 29, 2023
Marcus Adolfsson
Understanding these vowel sounds is a major breakthrough for my language learning journey. Your lesson is invaluable.
May 24, 2023
Larry Siegel
I can already feel an improvement in my pronunciation thanks to your guidance in this lesson.
May 18, 2023
Angela Coe
Your lesson is a testament to the impact of thorough and accessible pronunciation instruction. Thank you!
May 2, 2023
Betsy Leonard
Thank you for the clear and concise instruction. I will practice these vowel sounds diligently.
Apr 4, 2023
Lisa
Thanks for breaking down the nuances of these vowel sounds. Your expertise is truly commendable.
Jan 23, 2023
Michael Shaikin
I've been watching videos on this topic, but your lesson cleared up more confusion than all of them combined.
Jan 23, 2023
Vince Vinod
I'm so glad I found this lesson. Understanding these vowel sounds will definitely improve my spoken English.
Dec 31, 2022
Joseph McTernan
Your lesson has been a blessing for my language learning, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the rest of your content.
Nov 27, 2022
Cabana Laurent
Thanks for breaking down the differences between /I/ and /iy/. This was really helpful!
Sep 2, 2022
Svetlana
This was an eye-opening lesson. I never realized how different /I/ and /iy/ actually sound.
Jul 9, 2022
Team 6lack
Your lesson has significantly improved my ability to distinguish between these vowel sounds. Thank you for such valuable content.
Jun 27, 2022
Milton Taylor
I've been struggling with these vowel sounds for a while, but your lesson has given me hope that I can improve. Thank you!
Jun 12, 2022
Jack Bensimon
The way you explained the positioning of the mouth and tongue for each sound was very useful.
May 26, 2022
Kevin McCoy
I appreciate the care and detail you put into explaining the intricacies of these vowel sounds.
Apr 26, 2022
Sushma Singh
Your lesson has unlocked a new level of understanding in American English pronunciation for me. Thank you!
Apr 4, 2022
Matthew Barnes
The clarity and precision in your explanation have given me a newfound confidence in my pronunciation.
Jan 22, 2022
Cooper Forshag
Understanding the nuances between these vowel sounds has made me more attentive to my own pronunciation.
Jan 17, 2022
Kevin Keefer
The way you emphasized the differences between /I/ and /iy/ was very effective.
Jan 4, 2022
Amber Lambert
I've struggled with /I/ and /iy/ sounds for so long, but your lesson has provided much-needed clarity. Thank you!
Dec 6, 2021
Madeleine Hoy
Thank you for focusing on such a specific aspect of pronunciation. It's these details that make the biggest difference.
Nov 27, 2021
Michele Davino
I always struggled with /I/ and /iy/ sounds, but your lesson made it so much easier for me to distinguish between the two. Thank you!
Oct 25, 2021
Carylon Barron
Your lesson has equipped me with the knowledge and tools to significantly improve my spoken English. Thank you for your invaluable guidance.
Oct 17, 2021
Richard Marsh
I've learned more from your lesson than from hours of trying to figure these sounds out on my own. Thank you!
Oct 13, 2021
Kendra Sardelis
This is exactly the kind of lesson I've been searching for. The clarity and detail are exactly what I needed to improve my pronunciation.
Sep 26, 2021
Jaime Barillas
I found your lesson while searching for pronunciation help, and it's exactly what I needed. Thank you!
Sep 22, 2021
Bamnattapan Bamnattapan
I never knew there were such subtle differences between these sounds. Your lesson opened my ears!
Aug 25, 2021
Jean Toit
I'll be recommending your lesson to anyone else struggling with American English pronunciation. It's a game-changer!
Jul 18, 2021
Greg Everett
This lesson has provided the clarity and specificity I've been seeking in order to improve my pronunciation. Thank you for your invaluable guidance.
Jul 14, 2021
Ron Sturgis
Your lesson is a testament to the difference that expert instruction can make in language learning. I'm grateful for this valuable resource.
Jul 7, 2021
Daniele Orlando
This lesson was exactly what I needed. I've been struggling with these vowel sounds for so long.
Jul 7, 2021
Monika Burchette
I'm eager to incorporate your guidance into my practice and continue improving my pronunciation. Thank you for this valuable lesson.
Jun 24, 2021
Drew Blatt
I appreciate how you provided context by using words like 'kiss' and 'keys' to illustrate the differences.
Jun 15, 2021
Lee Harwood
I can't express enough gratitude for the impact your lesson has had on my pronunciation. It's truly been a game-changer for me.
Jun 13, 2021
Patricia Acosta
Your expertise in pronunciation instruction is evident in the thoroughness and clarity of this lesson. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
May 2, 2021
Jim Fena
Practicing these vowel sounds along with your guidance is truly making a difference in my speech.
Apr 30, 2021
Place Holder
I'm truly grateful for your lesson. It has brought much-needed clarity to a previously confusing aspect of pronunciation.
Apr 21, 2021
Michael Buenter
Your thorough explanation has filled a gap in my understanding of American English pronunciation. Thank you for your expertise.
Dec 25, 2020
Guang Xu
Your lesson has been the most effective resource I've found for understanding these vowel sounds. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Dec 10, 2020
James Norton
I've been looking for help with these vowel sounds, and your lesson has been the most effective resource I've found. Thank you!
Nov 19, 2020
Rachel
I appreciate the effort you put into making this lesson easy to understand. It's really paying off.
Oct 31, 2020
Markeavius Coles
Your lesson has given me a new sense of motivation to work on my pronunciation. I can't thank you enough for your expertise.
Oct 10, 2020
Fabiana Sousa
Your lesson has filled a gap in my understanding of American English pronunciation. I'm grateful for your thorough explanation.
Sep 23, 2020
Binev Minev
Understanding the subtle differences between these vowel sounds has been a breakthrough for my language learning journey. Thank you for this valuable lesson.
Sep 14, 2020
Kinross Gold Corporation
Your lesson has been a game-changer for me. I can already feel a significant improvement in my pronunciation.
Aug 24, 2020
Rabinder Koul
Your expertise in phonetics shines through in this lesson. I feel more informed about pronunciation now.
Jul 27, 2020
Ryan Johnson
I've been mispronouncing words with these sounds for so long. Your lesson has been a revelation.
Jul 9, 2020
Douglas Anderson
Your guidance is making me excited to practice and improve my pronunciation. Thank you for your expertise!
Jul 6, 2020
Sung Lee
I'm looking forward to mastering these vowel sounds with the knowledge and guidance you've provided in this lesson. Thank you!
Jun 27, 2020
Malik
Your lesson truly demystified the complexities of these vowel sounds. I'm grateful for your expertise.
May 26, 2020
Mitch Anthony
Practicing these vowel sounds with your guidance has been a transformative experience for my language skills.
May 23, 2020
Willem Bekkema
I'll definitely be revisiting this lesson as I continue to work on perfecting these vowel sounds.
May 21, 2020
Taylor Cohen
Learning about these vowel sounds is a game-changer for my English fluency. Thank you for such valuable content.
Apr 14, 2020
April Gooch
I can't thank you enough for providing such a detailed and insightful explanation of these vowel sounds.
Apr 13, 2020
Robbert Visser
I've always struggled with these vowel sounds, but your lesson made it much clearer. Appreciate it!
Apr 9, 2020
Pat Weber
Your lesson has given me newfound confidence in my English pronunciation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Jan 27, 2020
Cathy Hamaker
Thank you for breaking down these vowel sounds in such a clear and accessible way. I've already noticed a difference in my pronunciation.
Oct 24, 2019
Elgin Brown
Your lesson has given me a new perspective on American English pronunciation. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Oct 19, 2019
Bernd Welther
I love how you give specific examples like 'kiss' and 'keys'. It makes it easier to grasp the concepts.
Oct 3, 2019
Larry Woodson
I've attempted to improve my pronunciation for a while, but your lesson has been the most impactful guide.
Sep 5, 2019
Rev Blondin
I truly appreciate your commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible pronunciation instruction. Thank you for making a difference in my language skills.
Aug 3, 2019
Barry Chun
Your lesson has given me a new perspective on American English pronunciation. I can't thank you enough for your expertise.
Aug 3, 2019
Brynia Riley
Great explanation! I've been pronouncing 'kiss' and 'keys' wrongly all this time. Now I know better.
Jul 12, 2019
Shelly Pisors
I'm impressed by the depth of knowledge and practical advice you've shared in this lesson. Thank you for your expertise!
Jun 20, 2019
Philip Happelle
Thank you for making such a detailed and accessible lesson. It's really making a difference in my pronunciation already.
May 11, 2019
Josee Turgeon
Your lesson has given me a sense of excitement to practice and improve my pronunciation. I truly value your expertise.
Jan 23, 2019
Hugh Hall
Your lesson has brought clarity to what was once a source of confusion for me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Jan 20, 2019
Arthur Hagry
I'm so grateful for your detailed explanation. It's been a real game-changer for me.
Jan 9, 2019
Rupal Patel
Thank you for your thorough and accessible explanation of these vowel sounds. It's making a real difference for me.
Nov 26, 2018
Angie Stadler
The way you relate the sounds to specific words like 'kiss' and 'keys' makes it easier to remember.
Nov 25, 2018
Hadis Khomami
Your pronunciation tips are making me more confident in speaking American English.
Nov 6, 2018
More posts