Consonant Contrast
How to Pronounce fast vs vast
Key Pronunciation Contrast
‘Fast’ begins with voiceless /f/ (⁄fæst⁄); ‘vast’ begins with voiced /v/ (⁄væst⁄).
Contrast: Voiceless /f/ vs voiced /v/
“That rope is dangerously loose. Make it fast!”
Word 2Full word page➔
vast
⁄væst⁄
Syllables
VAST
Definition:
Very large or wide (literally or figuratively).
“The Sahara desert is vast.”
Watch Native Video Clips & Ear Training
80 total video examplesListen separately:
Frequently Asked Questions: fast vs vast
What is the difference in pronunciation between "fast" and "vast"?
‘Fast’ begins with voiceless /f/ (⁄fæst⁄); ‘vast’ begins with voiced /v/ (⁄væst⁄).
Where does the syllable stress fall in "fast" vs "vast"?
"fast" has 1 syllable(s) (fast) with stress on "FAST". "vast" has 1 syllable(s) (vast) with stress on "VAST".
Why do English learners often confuse "fast" and "vast"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Voiceless /f/ vs voiced /v/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "fast" and "vast"?
Example for "fast": "That rope is dangerously loose. Make it fast!" Example for "vast": "The Sahara desert is vast."