IPA chart

IPA chart 

Below is an IPA chart for received pronunciation which is generally regarded as the standard accent for British English. IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a system of phonetic notation using the Latin script.

The purpose of IPA is to provide a symbol for every sound for every language and accent. This chart is specific for British English, and certain sounds that exist in American or Australian English will not be found in this chart, however, this chart should still be used for English learners looking to improve their pronunciation regardless of a preference for a particular accent.

Learn more about IPA.

Vowels

iː
see		 ɪ
sit		ʊ
put		uː
you		ɪə
here		eɪ
day		i
happy
ɛ
bed		ə
about		ɜː
bird		ɔː
law		ʊə
cure		ɔɪ
toy		əʊ
no
æ
bad		ʌ
run		ɑː
father		ɒ
off		eə
hair		ɑɪ
my		ɑʊ
now

Consonants

p
pen		b
web		t
two		d
dog		t͡ʃ
chair		d͡ʒ
edge		k
cat		g
go
f
fool		v
voice		θ
thing		ð
this		s
pass		z
zoo		ʃ
she		ʒ
genre
m
man		n
no		ŋ
sing		h
ham		l
left		r
run		w
we		j
yes

IPA chart for received pronunciation

Technical linguistic terms such as diphthongs and triphthongs have been avoided in the above chart so to make for a more simple and easy-on-the-eye chart for the English learner. We decided to break down English sounds for received pronunciation into just two categories: vowels and consonants to make for a clearer learning experience.

Best way to learn IPA

If you’re looking to improve your English pronunciation then knowing IPA will certainly help. By knowing the “code” or the transcription of the sounds of any given language shall allow you to ascertain the sound without having to hear the sound itself. If you’re an avid reader and have an electronic device for reading you could install a dictionary that also provides IPA transcription, which in turn would make it much easier for you to learn the correct pronunciation of words.

Modern technologies such as e-books are great because at the touch of a button you have instant access to its definition, translation and IPA transcription.

You could also use an extension with your internet browser if you’re seeking the transcription of words. Websites such as Tophonetics offer an instant transcription of words.

A few examples

Below a few examples of the transcription of a few words using IPA – received pronunciation, that is, the section of IPA for the standard British accent.

Moon = /muːn/

Though = /ðəʊ/

See = /siː/

Hello = /hɛləʊ/

See also:

Auxiliary verbs:
Modal auxiliary verbs:
Advanced grammar: