Labial consonant facts for kids

Labials, also known as labial consonants, are special sounds we make using our lips! These sounds are a big part of how we talk.

We make labial sounds in two main ways:

Bilabial Sounds: Both Lips!

When you make a bilabial sound, you use both your top and bottom lips together. Try saying the word "pack." Notice how your lips close completely for the "p" sound? That's a bilabial sound! Other examples include the "b" in "ball" and the "m" in "mom."

• P as in pack
• B as in ball
• M as in mom

These sounds are made by bringing your lips together to stop the air, then releasing it.

Labiodental Sounds: Lip and Teeth!

For labiodental sounds, you use your lower lip and your upper front teeth. Try saying the word "food." For the "f" sound, your lower lip touches your upper teeth. The air then pushes through this small gap.

• F as in food
• V as in van

These sounds are made by creating a narrow opening between your lower lip and upper teeth, letting air escape with a slight friction.

Understanding labial sounds helps us see how different parts of our mouth work together to create all the words we speak!