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Unit 21: Semi-vowels

Semi-vowels /w/ and /j/: consonant glides that move quickly into a vowel.

레슨

/w/Sound /w/6개 단어/j/Sound /j/6개 단어/w/vs/j/Pair /w/ vs /j/12개 단어

Unit 21 — Semi-vowels /w/ and /j/

Semi-vowels are sounds that begin like vowels but function as consonants. They are very short and glide quickly into the following vowel.

/w/ — rounded glide

  • Start with lips strongly rounded and pushed forward, like the beginning of woo.
  • The back of the tongue rises toward the soft palate.
  • Release into the next vowel quickly: we, way, walk.
  • Common spellings: w (win), wh (what), qu = /kw/ (queen), u in some words (persuade).

/j/ — front glide

  • Start with the tongue high and front, close to the position for /iː/ (like the beginning of ee).
  • Release into the next vowel quickly: yes, you, year.
  • Common spellings: y (yet), u = /juː/ (use, music), eu/ew (Europe, few).

Common pitfalls

  • Holding the glide too long, making it sound like a full vowel.
  • Replacing /j/ with /dʒ/ (turning year into jeer).
  • Forgetting lip-rounding on /w/, making wet sound like vet.

Quick examples: wet / yet, west / yeast, wear / year.