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Minimal pairs with and without aspiration
In English, the consonants /p,t,k/ are pronounced with extra breath, [p*h*ɪt], to make a contrast with /b,d,g/, [bɪt]. Practise aspiration here.
In English, the consonants /p,t,k/ are pronounced with aspiration (extra breath) at the beginning of a syllable, e.g. [phɪt]. In this way, /p,t,k/ are clearly contrasted with /b,d,g/, e.g. [bɪt]. Thus, aspiration can be used to convey a different meaning. You can practise it here.
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