The word “really” is particularly difficult for Asian learners as it contains /r/ & /l/, two of the toughest consonants in the English language especially for Japanese, Koreans, Thai and Vietnamese. The word “really” has to be pronounced in 3 steps:
Step 1: The lips have to be tightly rounded for /r/ and the tongue tip curled back away from the alveolar ridge (The bony part behind the upper teeth). Begin producing voice from this position. You are now pronouncing /r/.
Step 2: You spread your lips back and at the same time lower your tongue WITHOUT touching the roof of your mouth. You are producing /i/ at this point.
Step 3: While your lips are back, you press your tongue tip against the alveolar ridge WITHOUT moving your lips. Take your tip off as you pronounce [ly].
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