Malay has five core vowel sounds:

A – “ah” sound (father)
Example words:

• makan (to eat)

• apa (what)

• bapa (father)

E – “eh” or soft “uh” sound
Example words:

• ekor (tail) – “eh” sound

• emak (mother) – “eh” sound

• besar (big) – soft “uh” sound

I – “ee” sound (see)
Example words:

• minum (to drink)

• ini (this)

• bilik (room)

O – short “o” sound
Example words:

• orang (person)

• bola (ball)

• kosong (empty)

U – “oo” sound (food)
Example words:

• buku (book)

• guru (teacher)

• umur (age)