Letter Y (Consonant)
At the start of a word or syllable, Y makes the /j/ sound, like in 'yes', 'yet', and 'yell'.
How this rule works
Y at the beginning of a word acts as a consonant and makes the /j/ sound. In the middle or end of a word, Y acts as a vowel (gym, happy, my). Context determines which role Y plays.
Remember: Y at the start says /j/ — yes, you got it!
Examples
Words that use this rule
26 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
Exceptions
When Y is in the middle or end of a word, it acts as a vowel: gym, happy, my, sky.
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
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