An ELT Glossary : Nasal consonants




Definition : Nasal consonants are formed by blocking the passage of air out of the mouth, but lowering the velum (soft palate) so that it is allowed to pass through the nose. 

Examples in English : 

  • /m/ as in me /mi:/ - bilabial nasal (the airstream in the mouth is blocked by closing both lips)
  • /n/ as in no /nəʊ/ - alveolar nasal  (the airstream in the mouth is blocked by raising the tongue to the alveolar ridge - the bony ridge just behind the teeth)
  • /ŋ/ as in thing /θɪŋ/ - velar nasal  (the airstream in the mouth is blocked by raising the back of the tongue to the velum)

All nasal consonants are voiced.
More reading from An ELT Notebook : English Consonant Sounds