Back sounds: k, g and ng

This guide is about three sounds: k as in cup, g as in go and ng as in sing. For ng, the air goes out through the nose.

The ideas below fit into play, jobs around the house and trips out. The word lists are for English. You can use the same ideas in any language.

When children learn this

Many children say k, g and ng by about 3; most by about 4.
Children learn sounds at different ages. Many say a sound in short words before they can say it in long words.

Common mix-ups

Many children say t for k and d for g ('tat' for 'cat', 'doat' for 'goat') until about 3 and a half to 4. If this is still happening after about 4, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.
Some children make one sound in a word match another ('gog' for 'dog') until about 4. If it is still happening after about 4, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.

Try this

While you play

Play with toy farm animals. Make them run, jump and hide, and talk about what they do.

Your child: Doat jump!
You: The goat jumped! Up goes the goat, over the gate.

Around the house

At dinner time, talk about the food as you serve it.

Your child: Tarrot!
You: A carrot. You have a long orange carrot.

When you go out

At the park, talk about what your child is doing.

Your child: Tan I go on the swing?
You: You can. Yes, you can go on the swing.

Words to use in your talk

Use these words in your own talk. Your child does not have to say them.

k

Easier words: cup, coat, key, cap, cot, comb

Harder words: monkey, bucket, duck, book, rocket, pancake

g

Easier words: go, goat, gate, good, gum, game

Harder words: dog, bag, pig, tiger, wagon, digger

ng

Easier words: wing, bang, king, hang, tongue

Harder words: swing, ring, finger, monkey, kangaroo

Why it helps

When you say words with k, g and ng the usual way in your own talk, your child hears how these sounds are used. Your child does not have to say the words after you or copy you.

When to get help

Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child says the same word a different way each time.
Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child uses one sound in place of many different sounds.
Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child is 4 or older and people who do not know them cannot understand much of what they say.

Safety and when to act

If your child stops using words or skills they had, or you have new worries, see your GP. Do not wait.
If your child is 3 or older and people who know them well understand very little of what they say, or your child is 2 or older and not putting two or more words together, see your GP or child health nurse for advice.
Hearing problems can affect talking. Ask your GP about a hearing test, especially after a lot of ear infections.
If your child stutters, contact a speech pathologist. Give your child time to finish. Do not use word lists or sound games with a child who stutters unless your speech pathologist says so.
Tell your GP if your child often coughs, chokes or gags when eating or drinking, has wet or gurgly breathing, keeps getting chest infections, or is losing weight. If food is stuck and your child cannot swallow, go to the nearest emergency department. If it is hard for them to breathe, call 000 and ask for an ambulance. If your child is choking and cannot cough or make a sound, start first aid and call 000.
Do not ask your child to say a word again and again. They may get frustrated.
You can do these ideas in any language. Learning more than one language does not cause talking problems.
These ideas do not replace a speech pathologist. Stay on the waitlist.

More help

Sources

Last checked 12 October 2026

Back sounds: k, g and ng