The /P/Sound: Speech Therapy Guide & Practice Games

The /P/ sound is a voiceless bilabial stop. It is one of the earliest sounds children develop and is produced by pressing both lips together, building up air pressure, and then releasing the lips in a quick burst. It is the voiceless counterpart of /B/.

calendar_monthAge of mastery:2-3
trending_upFrequency:Less Common
sports_esportsGames available:8
record_voice_over

How to Make the /P/ Sound

Press both lips firmly together. Build up a small amount of air pressure behind your lips. Then quickly pop your lips open to release the air in a burst. Your voice stays off — it is a quiet popping sound. You should feel a puff of air on your hand if you hold it in front of your mouth.

IPA Symbol: /p/

Most children master the /P/ sound by age 2-3. It is one of the very first consonant sounds to develop, often appearing in babbling ("papa," "puh-puh") well before age 2.

Common /P/ Sound Errors

  • error_outlineSubstituting /B/ for /P/ — voicing error (e.g., "ban" for "pan")
  • error_outlineWeak lip closure, resulting in a breathy or incomplete pop
  • error_outlineOmitting /P/ at the end of words
  • error_outlineNot producing enough air pressure for a clear burst
  • error_outlineNasal emission: air escaping through the nose instead of the mouth
list_alt

/P/ Word Lists by Position

Practice these words organized by where the /P/ sound appears. Start with the position your child finds easiest.

Initial Position

/P/ at the beginning of words

paintpanpaperparkpartypawpeapeachpeanutpenpetpianopicklepiepigpillowpizzaplaypoolpuppy

Medial Position

/P/ in the middle of words

applecapercarpetcopperdiaperhappyhappenhipponapkinopenpaperpepperpopcornpuppetrecipesoapysupersupperteapotzipper

Final Position

/P/ at the end of words

capchopclipcupdripdropflipgapgrapehelphopjumplampmapmopnapshipshopstoptop
sports_esportsPractice these words with our games
tips_and_updates

Tips for Practicing the /P/ Sound at Home

Evidence-based strategies parents can use to support /P/ sound practice.

1

Use the "popping" cue: have your child pop bubbles, pop bubble wrap, or pop their lips to practice the burst of air.

2

Hold a tissue or feather in front of the mouth — a correctly produced /P/ should make it puff forward.

3

Practice /P/ with lip exercises: have your child press their lips together tightly, hold for 3 seconds, then pop them open.

4

Contrast /P/ (voiceless) with /B/ (voiced) by having your child feel their throat: no vibration for /P/, vibration for /B/.

5

Start with /P/ in simple syllables: "pa," "po," "pee," "pie," "poo" — these are naturally motivating for young children.

6

Use popping-themed play: "pop" balloons, play "Pop Goes the Weasel," or make popcorn sounds.

7

For children who omit final /P/, practice words like "up," "cup," "stop" — emphasize the lip closure at the end.

format_quote

Practice Sentences for the /P/ Sound

Read these sentences aloud with your child. Words containing the /P/ sound are highlighted.

Peter picked a pile of purple peppers.

The puppy played in a puddle in the park.

Please pass the peanut butter and the pickles.

Polly put popcorn in a paper cup.

The happy hippo hopped into the pool.

Pop the top off the teapot, please.

Open the zipper on the puppet and peek inside.

Stop at the top of the map and drop a pin.

sports_esports

Games for the /P/ Sound

Practice the /P/ sound with interactive games designed by speech pathologists.

bubble_chart

Bubble Pop

/P/ practice

grid_view

Memory Match

/P/ practice

local_pizza

Pizza Builder

/P/ practice

rocket_launch

Space Blaster

/P/ practice

phishing

Sound Fishing

/P/ practice

directions_run

Word Runner

/P/ practice

pest_control

Whack-a-Word

/P/ practice

auto_stories

Story Adventure

/P/ practice

Play games for the /P/ sound
help_outline

Frequently Asked Questions About the /P/ Sound

Common questions parents ask about the /P/ sound in speech therapy.

When should my child be able to say the /P/ sound?expand_more
Most children master /P/ by age 2-3. It is one of the earliest sounds to develop, often appearing in babbling before the first birthday. If your child cannot produce /P/ by age 3, consult a speech-language pathologist.
My child says /B/ instead of /P/. What does that mean?expand_more
Substituting /B/ for /P/ is a voicing error. Both sounds use the same lip position, but /P/ is voiceless and /B/ is voiced. Practice having your child feel the difference by placing a hand on their throat: /B/ buzzes, /P/ does not.
Why does my child omit /P/ at the end of words?expand_more
Final consonant deletion is common in young children (under age 3). The child may say "cu" instead of "cup" or "sto" instead of "stop." If this pattern persists past age 3, targeted practice on closing words with /P/ can help.
Is /P/ related to /B/ and /M/?expand_more
Yes, /P/, /B/, and /M/ are all bilabial sounds (made with both lips). /P/ is voiceless, /B/ is voiced, and /M/ is nasal (air goes through the nose). They form a natural group and children often develop all three around the same age.
What is nasal emission and how does it affect /P/?expand_more
Nasal emission occurs when air escapes through the nose during sounds that should be oral (like /P/). Instead of a crisp lip pop, the sound may be weak or nasally. If you notice consistent nasal emission, it could indicate a structural issue and should be evaluated by a professional.

Related Sounds

/B/

B Sound

View guide

/M/

M Sound

View guide

Ready to practice the /P/ sound?

Join SpeechTherapyMagic for interactive games, AI-generated stories, and smart flashcards targeting the /P/ sound.

Get Started Free