Jaw

Jaw is pronounced with a single syllable: /dʒɔː/ in UK spelling, generally transcribed as /dʒɔː/ (US often /dʒɑː/ or /dʒɔː/ depending on speaker). Start with a palatal plosive /d͡ʒ/ like 'j' in 'judge', then glide into a long open-mid back rounded vowel /ɔː/ (UK) or /ɑː/ (US). Keep lips rounded slightly, jaw lowered, and the tongue relaxed behind the bottom teeth. End with a clean n/a sound; the vowel length carries the meaning. Audio reference: think of the sound in 'law' but with a 'j' onset; you’ll hear it as brisk and concise.

Common mistakes include: 1) Using a close front vowel like /i/ or /e/, producing ‘je’ sounds instead of ‘jaw’; correct with an open back vowel /ɔː/ or /ɑː/. 2) Missing the initial affricate release, producing a simple ‘j’ sound; ensure you start with /d͡ʒ/ and release into the vowel. 3) Gliding into a shorter, clipped vowel in rapid speech; lengthen the vowel slightly and maintain a steady airflow. Practice by pairing with ‘jawbone’ to keep the /d͡ʒ/ onset clear.

In US, many speakers pronounce it closer to /d͡ʒɑː/ with a more open /ɑ/; UK tends to /d͡ʒɔː/ with a slightly rounded, longer vowel; Australian often leans toward /d͡ʒɔː/ but with a flatter quality and less rhotics influence, vowel length may shorten in rapid speech. The initial /d͡ʒ/ is consistent, but vowel quality shifts (US to /ɑː/, UK/AU to /ɔː/). Rhoticity is less about this word, but surrounding syllables may influence perceived rhoticity in connected speech.

Jaw requires precise control of a short affricate /d͡ʒ/ combined with a back, open-mid vowel that varies by region. The tongue must lift slightly to create the /d͡ʒ/ release, then drop into a rounded back vowel; any mis-timing or mouth position shift (e.g., front vowels or untied jaw) makes it sound like ‘jew’ or ‘jawh’. Clear articulation depends on storing the tongue’s posterior posture and maintaining the electrical balance of airflow for the long vowel. IPA cues help anchor the mouth positions.

Does your jaw position change when you speed up the word? Yes. In fast speech, the /d͡ʒ/ onset can become less explosive and more of a light tap, and the vowel can reduce slightly in length, though not to a schwa. Practicing with tempo helps you preserve the initial crisp release while maintaining the back-vowel quality. This is especially true for non-native speakers whose jaw relaxation can alter the perceived vowel quality.