"k" as in cat
/k/as in “cat”
How to make it
- Raise the back of your tongue against the soft part of the roof of your mouth.
- Let air build up behind it.
- Release it with a small puff of air. Your voice stays off.
Common mistake
A weak release at the start of a word, so "cold" sounds like "gold".
In words
Listen at normal speed or slowly, then say it yourself.
- cat
- pocket
- back
Don't confuse with
Listen and choose the word you hear.
US and UK
This sound is the same in American and British English.