American English sound
ER /ɚ/
Learn how to hear and produce the ER sound with IPA, simple spelling, example audio, and coaching videos.
Watch the sound
Inside the mouth
Close-up example
Full coaching video
Master the ER soundWatch full coaching video (1:09)
How to Make the ER Sound
Mouth
Tongue
Move of tongue to the but leave a gap so the of your tongue isn't touching. (Post-alveolar)
Lips
Unrounded
More info
When you see this, just pretend it's a normal R and go from the previous consonant sound to the R quickly. You will naturally make a small ᵊ sound.