Story time (connected speech)
One day Sparky the star found a nose. Next to it was a nest and a nut. "Wow!" said Sparky. Then Sparky saw a nine and a knife. What a great day!
N
N sound /n/
Tongue tip up behind the teeth, air through the nose.
American English pronunciation model · voiced · tongue tip (alveolar) · nasal · spellings: n, nn, kn
This page practises English sounds — the words and sentences stay in English on purpose.
Watch how to make this sound
/n/ · Nose sound
Articulation visual awaiting professional review — not yet checked by a speech and language therapist.
Voice on · feel the buzz · Nasal airflow
Tongue tip at the ridge; hum through your nose.
The tongue blocks the mouth at the ridge; a lowered soft palate allows nasal air.
Movement 1/3: Tip meets ridge
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How to Make the Sound
/n/
Voice switched ON
Put your hand on your throat — you should feel a buzz.
Remember it: Nose sound — tongue up and hum.
- Tongue
- The tongue tip presses on the ridge behind the top front teeth.
- Lips and jaw
- Lips slightly open; jaw slightly open.
- Air
- Air comes out through the nose.
Step by step
- Tongue tip up on the ridge.
- Voice on.
- Hum through your nose — nnn.
Common difficulties and gentle help
- Sounds like /d/. Feel the air on a finger under the nose. If this happens a lot, mention it to your therapist or GP.
- Sounds like /m/ — lips closing. Use a mirror to keep the lips apart.
Step up gradually
- 1. Sound on its own
- 2. Syllables
- 3. Words
- 4. Phrases
- 5. Sentences
- 6. Everyday talk
A sound can be easier on its own than in connected speech. Move on only when your child is saying it accurately and feels ready — not just because a worksheet is finished. Read the Parent Guide
1. Sound in isolation
/n/
Tongue tip up, hum through your nose: nnn.
Hear yourself
This device can't record audio, so listening back isn't available here. Practise with the model sounds instead.
2. Syllables
na
nee
no
noo
ni
ana
eena
ona
an
een
on
Initial position
nose
/n/ · initial
“my nose”
nest
/n/ · initial
“my nest”
nut
/n/ · initial
“my nut”
nine
/n/ · initial
“my nine”
knife
/n/ · initial
“my knife”
Medial position
banana
/n/ · medial
“my banana”
money
/n/ · medial
“my money”
bunny
/n/ · medial
“my bunny”
peanut
/n/ · medial
“my peanut”
Final position
sun
/n/ · final
“my sun”
moon
/n/ · final
“my moon”
train
/n/ · final
“my train”
lion
/n/ · final
“my lion”
phone
/n/ · final
“my phone”
Short phrases
- my nose
- my nest
- my nut
- my nine
- my knife
- my banana
- my money
- my bunny
- my peanut
- my sun
- my moon
- my train
Sentences
- I can see the nose.
- I can see the nest.
- I can see the nut.
- I can see the nine.
- I can see the knife.
- I can see the banana.
- I can see the money.
- I can see the bunny.
- I can see the peanut.
- I can see the sun.