The EU Sound

/ø/

Accent-Specific Coaching

For American Speakers

Say ‘duh’ as in an eye-roll ‘duh.’ Now round your lips more tightly, like you’re about to whistle. That’s the French ‘eu.’ DO NOT think of ‘bird’ or ‘her’ — your American R will creep in.

For British Speakers

Say ‘bird.’ That vowel — without the R — IS the French ‘eu.’ You’re already making this sound every time you say ‘her,’ ‘sir,’ ‘learn.’

For Australian / NZ Speakers

Say ‘bird.’ Your Australian vowel there — that ‘uhh’ without any R — is almost exactly the French ‘eu.’ You’ve been making this sound your whole life.

For Irish Speakers

This one’s trickier for you because your R is present in words like ‘bird.’ Instead, say ‘uh’ but round your lips into a tight O shape.

For Scottish Speakers

Say ‘bird’ — drop the R sound completely and focus on just the vowel. Now push your lips into a firm round shape. Your Scottish vowel system gives you a reasonable starting point here.

For Indian Speakers

Say 'bird' without any R colouring — just the pure vowel. Now round your lips into a tight O shape. That blend is Ö. Don't let your retroflex R creep in.

For South African Speakers

Say 'bird' — your South African vowel there is already R-less. That's your starting point. Now round your lips more. That's Ö.

For Nigerian / W. African Speakers

Say 'bird' — focus on just the vowel without any R sound. Now round your lips into an O shape. That blend of tongue position and rounded lips gives you Ö.