How to Pronounce Diphthongs in Korean41

Diphthongs are two vowel sounds that are pronounced together as one syllable. In Korean, there are eight diphthongs, which are spelled with the following combinations of letters:* ㅏㅣ (ai)
* ㅐ (ae)
* ㅑ (ya)
* ㅒ (ye)
* ㅕ (yeo)
* ㅛ (yo)
* ㅠ (yu)
* ㅞ (we)

To pronounce a diphthong, start by pronouncing the first vowel sound. Then, glide smoothly into the second vowel sound, without making a pause between the two sounds.

Here are some tips for pronouncing each of the Korean diphthongs:* ㅏㅣ (ai): This diphthong is pronounced like the "ai" in the English word "kite."
* ㅐ (ae): This diphthong is pronounced like the "ae" in the English word "cat."
* ㅑ (ya): This diphthong is pronounced like the "ya" in the English word "yacht."
* ㅒ (ye): This diphthong is pronounced like the "ye" in the English word "yes."
* ㅕ (yeo): This diphthong is pronounced like the "yo" in the English word "yo-yo."
* ㅛ (yo): This diphthong is pronounced like the "yo" in the English word "young."
* ㅠ (yu): This diphthong is pronounced like the "yu" in the English word "you."
* ㅞ (we): This diphthong is pronounced like the "we" in the English word "wet."

Diphthongs are an important part of Korean pronunciation. By practicing the tips above, you can improve your pronunciation and sound more like a native speaker.

Additional Tips for Pronouncing Korean Diphthongs* Make sure that you pronounce both vowels in each diphthong. Don't drop the second vowel sound.
* Pronounce the diphthongs smoothly and without making a pause between the two vowel sounds.
* Listen to native Korean speakers pronounce the diphthongs to get a better idea of how they should sound.

With a little practice, you will be able to pronounce Korean diphthongs like a native speaker.

2024-12-11

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