The bl sound in English: /bl/
IPA: /bl/ · Closest Arabic sound: باء + لام (بْلْ)
The bl sound explained
Blend two sounds quickly: 'b' then 'l'. Unlike a digraph, each letter keeps its own sound.
Consonant blends: Two consonants in a row each keep their sound but are said quickly together, such as bl, st and tr.
Words with bl
Tap a word to hear it and repeat it with your child
Tip for parents and teachers
Say the two letters slowly then speed up: b…l…black → bl-ack → black.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pronounce bl in English?
Blend two sounds quickly: 'b' then 'l'. Unlike a digraph, each letter keeps its own sound. The sound is /bl/, closest to the Arabic باء + لام.
Which words have bl?
Black (أسود), Blue (أزرق), Block (مكعب), Blanket (بطانية), Blow (ينفخ), Blind (أعمى).
What is the difference between a digraph and a blend?
In a digraph (like sh and ch) the two letters make one new sound; in a blend (like st and bl) each letter keeps its own sound and they are said quickly one after the other.