Pronunciation · Minimal pairs · medium functional load
/ʊ/ vs /uː/: full vs fool
In short
The short relaxed /ʊ/ and the long tense /uː/ separate pull/pool, look/Luke and full/fool. Fewer word pairs than /ɪ vs iː/, but the same length-plus-tension mechanic. This contrast carries a MEDIUM functional load, the contrast separates a fair number of word pairs, so it is worth systematic practice once the high-load contrasts are stable.
How to hear (and make) the difference
/ʊ/ is short with loose lips; /uː/ is long with tightly rounded, pushed-forward lips. Whistle-shape your lips for 'fool'; relax everything for 'full'.
Most challenging for Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Farsi speakers.
5 minimal pairs with audio
- fullfʊlfoolfuːl
- pullpʊlpoolpuːl
- looklʊkLukeluːk
- sootsʊtsuitsuːt
- couldkʊdcooedkuːd
Test your ear
Listening drill
/ʊ/ vs /uː/: full vs fool
/ʊ/ is short with loose lips; /uː/ is long with tightly rounded, pushed-forward lips. Whistle-shape your lips for 'fool'; relax everything for 'full'.
The contrast in sentences
The glass is full.
The glass is fool.
Pull over there.
Pool over there.
Keep exploring
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between full and fool?
full /fʊl/ uses the /ʊ/ sound while fool /fuːl/ uses /uː/. /ʊ/ is short with loose lips; /uː/ is long with tightly rounded, pushed-forward lips. Whistle-shape your lips for 'fool'; relax everything for 'full'.
Which learners find the /ʊ/ vs /uː/ contrast hardest?
It is most challenging for Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Farsi speakers, whose first languages don't separate these two sounds.