The V vs. W Pronunciation Problem: Fix it with Consonant Contrast Practice

Have you ever pronounced “wery” instead of “very”? Or maybe your “water” sounds like “vater.” Or maybe, it’s really difficult for you to hear the difference between V and W. These V vs. W words can be tricky, and they may leave you wondering how to pronounce V and W. 

The difference between V and W may sound slight, which makes it one of the commonly confused sounds in English. However, the common V / W mistakes are easy to fix once you understand what’s happening with your mouth!

The Big Difference Between V and W

You make the V and W sounds with completely different parts of your mouth. Many languages -- including German and Hindi -- don’t have both the V and W sounds, so the brain may hear them as the same sound. And as always, V vs. W pronunciation follows listening!

For German speakers, the teeth and lip placement for V tends to turn into W. On the other hand, Hindi speakers often turn the lip position for W sound into V. Let’s look at the differences in how to pronounce V and W, so that you can practice and master these two distinct phonemes. 

V vs. W Pronunciation: Breaking Down the Sounds

How do I make the V sound? 

The key to a strong English V sound is the friction between your top teeth and your bottom lip; that’s why the English V sound is called a labiodental fricative. 

Pay attention to the teeth and lip position for V, then push the air through the connection and vibrate your vocal chords at the same time. You should feel a buzzy, friction-filled sensation right where your teeth meet your lip. 

Try it with the word “very.” Can you feel the buzz at your teeth and bottom lip? Can you feel your vocal chords vibrating?

For more information about voicing with the V sound, check out our explainer on V vs. F.

How do I make the W sound?

For the English W sound, your teeth won’t touch your lips at all, since it’s a glide consonant sound. Instead, start with your lips in a tight circle. Then, as you release into the next sound -- often a vowel sound -- open your lips. It’s a quick glide from the rounded lips into the next sound.

Try it with the word “water,” but take it slowly: “oo-ater.” Try again. “Oo-ater.” Now, keep repeating the word faster and faster, until that lip position for W sound is automatic.

The big difference: contact vs. no contact. With the V sound, your top teeth touch your bottom lip. With the W sound, your lips are rounded, without any contact to the tongue or teeth. With this quick distinction, you’re already halfway to mastering these sounds!

V and W Minimal Pairs: Speech Clarity Practice

Read these minimal pairs of words aloud. The only difference in each pair is the V vs. W pronunciation. Focus on the difference between V and W as you say them.

More V and W Practice Exercises: Sentence Time!

Now try saying this: “The very wet weather was wonderful, but Vera wanted to go to the village.” 

Read it slowly at first, then speed up only when the positions feel automatic. Really focus on how to pronounce V and W in every word.

Remember: every V needs teeth-on-lip contact. Every W needs rounded lips with no contact. 

A few days of focused V and W practice exercises can make a permanent difference for these sounds. Once you feel the distinction in your mouth, you won’t confuse them again!

Syranto gives you instant feedback on your V vs. W pronunciation, so you know if you’ve mastered how to pronounce V and W.