/k/ vs /g/ minimal pairs
/k/ and /g/ are both velar stop sounds — the only difference is voicing: your vocal cords vibrate for /g/ but not for /k/. Phoneme has 8 word pairs to practice this contrast, each with native-speaker audio.
| /k/ | /g/ |
|---|---|
| coat | goat |
| back | bag |
| cap | gap |
| cut | gut |
| come | gum |
| caught | got |
| pick | pig |
| lock | log |
How to teach this contrast
- Listen and point. Play each word and have learners point to or repeat the symbol they hear.
- Say and check. Learners say one word from a pair; a partner (or you) identifies which one.
- Drill it. Use Phoneme's Train mode minimal-pair drill for randomized, self-checking practice.