The GN Sound
/ɲ/Accent-Specific Coaching
For American Speakers
Say 'onion' — that 'ny' in the middle is the Italian 'gn'. Same as Spanish ñ. You already make this sound.
For British Speakers
Say 'onion' — the 'ny' sound is the Italian 'gn'. Press your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth.
For Australian / NZ Speakers
Say 'onion' — the 'ny' sound is 'gn'. You produce this naturally in English.
For Irish Speakers
Say 'onion' — the 'ny' is the 'gn' sound. You already say it constantly.
For Scottish Speakers
Say 'onion' — the 'ny' in the middle is 'gn'. Same sound, different spelling.
For Indian Speakers
Hindi’s ञ is this exact sound. You produce it naturally. 'Gnocchi' = 'nyoh-kee'.
For South African Speakers
Say 'onion' — the 'ny' is the Italian 'gn'. You already make this sound.
For Nigerian / W. African Speakers
Say 'onion' — the 'ny' is the 'gn' sound. Your palatal nasal may already match.
Practice Words
gnocchi
gnocchi
bagno
bathroom
ognuno
everyone
campagna
countryside
sogno
dream
Practice Sentence
Il bagno è in campagna
The bathroom is in the countryside
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More Italian Sounds
The Trilled R
/ɾ/Single tapped r
/ʎ/The GL Sound
Double Consonants (Gemination)
/ɛ / e/Open vs closed e
/ɔ / o/Open vs closed o