When I speak to English students, they often mishear the words “travel” and “trouble.”

Looking at the Katakana, the difference is べ and ブ

That is completely wrong.

べ orブ? Neither!! There is no vowel sound. It’s just “b” and “v”

Trouble and travel have a silent “e” so ベ and ブ are not right.

So what is the difference between the English pronunciations?

The most important difference is the first vowel.

Watch this video to practice your pronunciation and listening!