The 'n sound' /n/ is a nasal sound. To create it, air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while pronouncing it in American English.
Introduction to Nasal Sounds > How to pronounce /n/ > Common /n/ spellings > Practice pronouncing /n/
'n sound' illustration
To create the 'n sound' /n/, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.
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