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Vowel Minimal Pair

How to Pronounce lock vs luck

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Lock’ (⁄lɑːk⁄ or ⁄lɒk⁄) has open vowel; ‘luck’ (⁄lʌk⁄) has central ⁄ʌ⁄.

Contrast: Open ⁄ɑː⁄ vs central ⁄ʌ⁄

Word 1Full word page➔

lock

⁄lɒk⁄

Syllables

LOCK

Definition:

Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.

“"Give me the key," said my mother; and though the lock was very stiff, she had turned it and thrown back the lid in a twinkling.”
Word 2Full word page➔

luck

⁄lʌk⁄

Syllables

LUCK

Definition:

Something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence.

“The raffle is just a matter of luck.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: lock vs luck

What is the difference in pronunciation between "lock" and "luck"?

‘Lock’ (⁄lɑːk⁄ or ⁄lɒk⁄) has open vowel; ‘luck’ (⁄lʌk⁄) has central ⁄ʌ⁄.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "lock" vs "luck"?

"lock" has 1 syllable(s) (lock) with stress on "LOCK". "luck" has 1 syllable(s) (luck) with stress on "LUCK".

Why do English learners often confuse "lock" and "luck"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Open ⁄ɑː⁄ vs central ⁄ʌ⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "lock" and "luck"?

Example for "lock": ""Give me the key," said my mother; and though the lock was very stiff, she had turned it and thrown back the lid in a twinkling." Example for "luck": "The raffle is just a matter of luck."