Diphthong Meaning in English
word
ˈdɪfˌθɔŋ
DIF-thawng
dˈɪfθɒŋ
DIF-thong
Definition
A sound in speech that starts with one vowel and, as it is spoken, changes to another vowel in the same syllable, like the 'oi' in 'coin'.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in linguistics and language learning. Not common in everyday conversation. Key in pronunciation: 'diphthongs' glide from one vowel sound to another. Common English diphthongs: 'ou' in 'out', 'ai' in 'aisle'.
Spanish: diptongoPortuguese (BR): ditongoPortuguese (PT): ditongoChinese (Simplified): 双元音Chinese (Traditional): 雙元音Hindi: यौगिक स्वरArabic: حرف العلة المزدوجBengali: ডিফথং - দ্বিবর্ণিক ধ্বনিRussian: дифтонгJapanese: 二重母音Vietnamese: nguyên âm đôiKorean: 이중 모음Turkish: ikili ünlü - diftongUrdu: ڈِفتھونگ - دوہرا مصوتIndonesian: diftong
Example Sentences
The word 'coin' contains a diphthong.
basic
A diphthong is made by gliding from one vowel sound to another.
basic
Diphthong sounds occur in words like 'loud' and 'mouse'.
basic
You can hear a diphthong in how people say 'bye'.
natural
Some accents use different diphthongs than standard English.
natural
Mastering English diphthongs will help your pronunciation sound more natural.
natural