Close back rounded vowel

The close back rounded vowel, also called the high back rounded vowel, is a special sound used in many languages. This sound is made by shaping the mouth a certain way. It is shown with the symbol ⟨u⟩ in the International Phonetic Alphabet IPA.

Usually, people round their lips outward to make this sound. This is called 'endolabial'. But in a few languages, the lips are brought together in a different way, called 'exolabial'.

In some languages like French, this sound can change and become similar to another sound called the labio-velar approximant, written as ⟨w⟩. Special symbols are used to show this change, helping people understand how the sound is made.

Close back protruded vowel

The close back protruded vowel is a common vowel sound used in many languages. It is written with the symbol ⟨u⟩ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.

This sound is made with the tongue close to the roof of the mouth and toward the back. The lips are rounded by bringing them together, which helps make the sound.

Close back compressed vowel

Some languages, like Japanese and Swedish, have a special vowel sound. This sound is made with the lips pressed together, called compressed or exolabial. Only Shanghainese has this special sound along with a more common vowel.

The compressed sound can be written with special symbols, but it may look tricky. This vowel is made with the tongue high in the mouth and toward the back. The lips are pressed together tightly, making the sound unique.