ur
R-controlled vowels
The ur sound in English: /ɜːr/
IPA: /ɜːr/ · Closest Arabic sound: كسرة خفيفة + راء (إر)
How to say it
The ur sound explained
ur sounds like er and ir: nurse, turtle, purple.
R-controlled vowels: The letter r changes the vowel before it: ar, or and er.
With audio and meaning
Words with ur
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Tip for parents and teachers
The purple turtle at the nurse.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pronounce ur in English?
ur sounds like er and ir: nurse, turtle, purple. The sound is /ɜːr/, closest to the Arabic كسرة خفيفة + راء.
Which words have ur?
Nurse (ممرضة), Turtle (سلحفاة), Purple (بنفسجي), Burn (يحرق), Turn (يدور), Hurt (يؤلم).
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.
R-controlled vowels