Beginning sounds: how to find the first sound of a word
Short answer: The beginning sound is the first sound you hear in a word, not the first letter you see. Say the word slowly and stop after the first sound: ball starts with /b/, sun starts with /s/, and cat starts with /k/ even though it is spelled with c. Listen first, then match the sound to a letter.
▶ Open the sound card Practice →
At a glance
| Word | First sound | Letter |
|---|---|---|
| ball | /b/ | b |
| sun | /s/ | s |
| cat | /k/ | c |
| phone | /f/ | ph |
How to make the sound
- Say the whole word slowly.
- Stop right after the first sound.
- Say that sound alone, quickly: /b/ in ball.
- Think of another word that starts with the same sound.
Examples in sentences
- bed
Starts with /b/: /bɛd/. - ball
Starts with /b/: /bɔl/. - sun
Starts with /s/: /sʌn/. - sock
Starts with /s/: /sɑk/. - cat
Starts with /k/: /kæt/, spelled c. - knee
Starts with /n/: /ni/. The k is silent.
Common problems
- Choosing by letter name: Saying the letter name “see” for cat. Listen for /k/, not the letter name.
- Adding a vowel: Saying “buh” for /b/. Keep the sound short: /b/.
- Silent letters: In knee or write, the first letter is silent. Listen for the first sound you hear.
For Vietnamese speakers
- Vietnamese has no /b/ followed by a strong puff of air, so try a short /b/ without extra vowels.
- English words can start with consonant groups such as /st/ in star. Say both sounds, one after the other.
Check yourself
- What is the first sound of “sun”?
Show the answer
/s/ Listen to the start.
- What is the first sound of “cat”?
Show the answer
/k/ The letter c can sound like /k/.
- What is the first sound of “knee”?
Show the answer
/n/ The k is silent.
Questions
Is the first sound always the first letter?
No. Spelling and sound can differ: phone starts with /f/, and knee starts with /n/.
Why do I need beginning sounds?
They help you spell and read new words, and they make rhymes and word games easier.
How do I say /b/ alone?
Close your lips, let a short puff go, and keep your voice quick. Do not add a long vowel.
More lessons in this part
Part of the 👄 Pronunciation tool: Sound Awareness. See also the English pronunciation guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30