Vowels & Diphthongs

a -

like "ah" in "father"

ă -

like "a" in "about" (shorter, quicker 'a')

â -

like "u" in "but" (a very short, relaxed 'uh' sound)

e -

like "e" in "end"

ê -

like "ay" in "say"

i / y -

like "ee" in "see"

o -

like "aw" in "saw"

ô -

like "oh" in "oh!"

ơ -

like the "ir" in "fir" (but without the 'r' sound)

u -

like "oo" in "food"

ư -

No English equivalent. Try saying "ee" (as in "see") and then rounding your lips as if to say "oo". It sounds like "uh-ee".

ai -

like "eye"

ao -

like "ow" in "cow" (but smoother, like "ao")

au -

like "ow" in "cow" (the 'au' in "ouch!")

ây -

like "ay" in "say" (same as ê)

ơi -

like "uh-ee" said quickly.

ua -

like "oo-ah" (e.g., u****a in "U of A")

ưa -

like the "ur" in "fur" (but without the 'r' sound)