Italian vowels (i vocali) are short, clear–cut, and are never drawn out. The "glide" with which English vowels frequently end should be avoided. It should be noted that a, i, u, are always pronounced the same way; e and o, on the other hand, have an open and a closed sound that may vary from one part of Italy to the other.

　　The approximate English equivalents are as follows:

　　a is like a in the English word ah!

Italian

English

　　e is sometimes like e in the English word they (without the final i glide).

Italian

English

　　e is sometimes like e in the word met. This is the open e.

Italian

English

　　i is like i in machine.

Italian

English

　　o is sometimes like o in the English word oh!.

Italian

English

　　o is sometimes like o in or. This is the open o.

Italian

English

　　u is like u in rule.

Italian

English