Consonants

Consonants are speech sounds produced when airflow is partially or completely blocked or restricted by the lips, tongue, teeth, or palate. Unlike vowels, which are voiced with an open vocal tract, consonants involve more precise articulation points and manners, such as stopping airflow (like "p" or "t"), limiting it partially (like "f" or "v"), or allowing it to pass with little restriction (like "l" or "n"). They are essential for shaping words and distinguishing meaning in language. Consonants combine with vowels to form syllables and structure speech sounds clearly.