How to pronounce TR
Are you pronouncing TR with a trilled or rolling sound? If you’re struggling with this sound, I have a technique for you to try.
It’s often useful to think of the /tr/ sound as a /tch/ sound.
This is the sound we use at the beginning of the words: change, charge & cheap.
To create this sound, say the word change with a /tch/ sound, but keep the tip of your tongue a little bit tense as it taps your gum ridge.
This will help you stop the airflow, creating the correct sound.
Try these words for practice
- Travel
- Translate
- Tradition
- Traffic
- Trust
- Introduce
- Intrest
- Extra
Listen here
Russian speakers and Spanish speakers often find that this /tch/ technique really works. Try it to “tame” your trilling TR sounds.
About the author
Susan Ryan is an accent reduction coach and course developer. Contact her at susan@confidentvoice.com.
