Learning to tell the difference between /p/ and /v/ is essential for clear English pronunciation. This lesson shows you how to pronounce these sounds correctly, with simple tips and real-word examples.
How to Distinguish the /p/ and /v/ Sounds?
What Are /p/ and /v/?
| Sound | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| /p/ | Voiceless. Both lips come together and block airflow completely. When you release, a small burst of air comes out. Your vocal cords do not vibrate. Example: pat. |
| /v/ | Voiced. Your top teeth lightly touch your bottom lip. Air flows out while your vocal cords vibrate. Example: vat. |
How to Pronounce /p/ and /v/
/p/
-
Press both lips together firmly.
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Build up air pressure behind them.
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Release quickly for a little puff of air.
-
No vibration in your throat.
Check this diagram to understand how your mouth should be positioned for /p/.
Listen to this audio clip to hear how /p/ sounds on its own and in the word “pat.”
/v/
-
Touch your top teeth to your bottom lip lightly.
-
Let air flow out steadily.
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Feel your vocal cords vibrating.
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Tip: Put your fingers on your throat—if it hums, it’s /v/.
Use this diagram as a guide to place your tongue and lips correctly for /v/.
Play this recording to get familiar with the /v/ sound by itself and in “van.”
Minimal Pairs /p/ vs. /v/ with Example Sentences
pat / vat:
- He gave the dog a gentle pat.
- The wine was stored in a large vat.
pair / very:
- I bought a new pair of shoes.
- She is very happy today.
pack / vac:
- Please pack your suitcase.
- Use the vac to clean the floor.
Minimal Pair /p/ and /v/ List
| /p/ Words | /v/ Words |
|---|---|
| pat /pæt/ | vat /væt/ |
| pair /peə/ | vet /vɛt/ |
| pack /pæk/ | vine /vaɪn/ |
| pick /pɪk/ | vote /voʊt/ |
| pill /pɪl/ | van /væn/ |
| pay /peɪ/ | vase /veɪs/ |
| pan /pæn/ | vie /vaɪ/ |
| peg /peɡ/ | vest /vɛst/ |
| pet /pet/ | vole /voʊl/ |
| pine /paɪn/ | vary /ˈveəri/ |
| pie /paɪ/ | very /ˈvɛri/ |
| pale /peɪl/ | vow /vaʊ/ |
| port /pɔːt/ | vend /vɛnd/ |
| pace /peɪs/ | vague /veɪɡ/ |
| pin /pɪn/ | veil /veɪl/ |
| part /pɑːt/ | veer /vɪə/ |
| park /pɑːk/ | vent /vɛnt/ |
| patter /ˈpætə/ | vill /vɪl/ |
| packer /ˈpækə/ | vast /vɑːst/ |
| pain /peɪn/ | vale /veɪl/ |
| pass /pɑːs/ | vivid /ˈvɪvɪd/ |
| past /pɑːst/ | visit /ˈvɪzɪt/ |
| peal /piːl/ | valve /vælv/ |
| patty /ˈpæti/ | value /ˈvæljuː/ |
| pout /paʊt/ | velvet /ˈvɛlvɪt/ |
| peer /pɪə/ | vanish /ˈvænɪʃ/ |
| pail /peɪl/ | village /ˈvɪlɪdʒ/ |
| pun /pʌn/ | vowel /ˈvaʊəl/ |
| pit /pɪt/ | virtue /ˈvɜːtʃuː/ |
| plan /plæn/ | vacant /ˈveɪkənt/ |
| plug /plʌɡ/ | venom /ˈvɛnəm/ |
| plum /plʌm/ | version /ˈvɜːʃən/ |
| press /pres/ | versus /ˈvɜːsəs/ |
| proof /pruːf/ | vendor /ˈvɛndə/ |
| price /praɪs/ | verge /vɜːdʒ/ |
| pride /praɪd/ | verbose /vɜːˈboʊs/ |
| print /prɪnt/ | viable /ˈvaɪəbl/ |
| praise /preɪz/ | vibrate /vaɪˈbreɪt/ |
| plot /plɒt/ | visitor /ˈvɪzɪtə/ |