Vowel 1: /iː/ and vowel 2: /ɪ/

Comparison with Spanish

English /iː/ is closer than Spanish /i/ and the lips are more spread. It is a tense sound.

Common spellings for this vowel are:

<ee> tree, green, sheep

<ea> tea, meat, read

Practice

- I can see a tree in the field.
- Please, read this sheet.
- I believe that is a seal.

Comparison with Spanish

English /ɪ/ is more open than Spanish /i/ but not so much as /e/. It is a relaxed sound with neutral lips. In unstressed final position it sounds like Spanish /i/. Common spellings for this vowel are:

<i> sit, rich, tip

<y> (pronounced /i/) city, pity, belly

<ie> (pronounced /i/) barbie, ladies, bodies

Practice

- Please, sit still.
- Did he live on the hill?
- Bring me the list.