Producing /b / v/

How to produce /b / v/

/b/: full closure of both lips, then release. /v/: top teeth on the lower lip, with continuous airflow (no closure). Spanish and Korean L1s often produce something between the two (a fricative /b/), which native English ears parse unreliably.

Practice the sound in isolation

Say 'berry / very' slowly. Hold the target sound. Record yourself — does it match your mental model of the native version?

A few varied words

• Initial: berry, best, boat
• Medial: about, number, never
• Final: cab, rib, save