Hear "You"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say you the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll hear it slide a bit - yu-oo, yu-uh, or ye-uh - all blended into one syllable that almost feels like two. Play the clips to hear each one in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

1) This one is almost ya /jɛə/.

2) This one is almost ye /jɛə/.

Example Audio in Sentences

1) Who did? You did? /juː/ ~ /jʉu̯/

2) I'll give it to you. /juə/ ~ /jʊə/

3) I gave it to you. /jɛə/

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to each clip a few times. Start with a light "y" sound, then let the vowel glide: yu-oo (hold the "oo"), yu-uh (slide toward a soft "uh"), and ye-uh (start with "yeh," then relax). Keep it one syllable that almost splits into two.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Do Southerners really pronounce "you" three different ways?

Yep. The vowel glides around depending on pace, emphasis, and who you’re talking to. You’ll hear yu-oo, yu-uh, and ye-uh from the same speaker in different moments.

Is one of these "more Southern"?

Not really - they’re all natural variants. Slower or folksier speech leans toward longer glides (yu-oo), quick casual talk may compress toward yu-uh or ye-uh.

Any quick practice tip?

Keep the "y" clear, let the vowel relax, and don’t over-enunciate the end - it should feel smooth and a little melty.

Regional Note

Southern accents vary widely from state to state and even holler to holler. The examples here reflect speech patterns common to rural Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, western North Carolina, north Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, and aren't meant to represent lowland or coastal "Deep South" varieties. Nor are the examples perfect - accents can be hyper-regional. They're provided for curious learners, actors and content creators, and ESL speakers who want a friendly introduction to authentic pronunciation. Learn more on the Southern Accent hub page.

...