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Berton Posted 12 years ago
Speech & Pronunciation

differences between /e/ and /æ/

Are /e/ and /æ/ really that different?
Do native speakers pronounce them strictly differently?
They are the same to my ears.
  

Top answer

If you are really using the IPA symbols, yes, there is a big difference. /e/ is a closed vowel; /æ/ is an open vowel. 'Sat' is the past tense of 'sit'; sate is a verb meaning 'to satisfy'.

— Philip

  • If you are really using the IPA symbols, yes, there is a big difference.
  • /e/ is a closed vowel; /æ/ is an open vowel.
  • 'Sat' is the past tense of 'sit'; sate is a verb meaning 'to satisfy'.
  • /.
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4 Answers
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If you are really using the IPA symbols, yes, there is a big difference. /e/ is a closed vowel; /æ/ is an open vowel. 'Sat' is the past tense of 'sit'; sate is a verb meaning 'to satisfy'. Consider also: past/paste; rat/rate; mat/mate; cat/case; bat/baste; fast/faced;
Now, I'm beginning to wonder if you really meant the difference between /e/ and /?/.
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Sorry. I used the wrong symbol. What I mean is /?/ and /æ/.
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Berton Sorry. I used the wrong symbol. What I mean is /?/ and /æ/.
Indeed, they are much closer, and I can understand your confusion. Bet~bat; set~sat; met~matt; pet~pat; vet~vat. I can only suggest that you find a native speaker who can give you oral examples. Briefly, the /æ/ sound is more open, that is, the mouth is open in a wider position. You might gi
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Thank you very much.
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