The near-close near-back vowel is a type of vowel sound, used in some spoken languages. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet for the near-close near-back rounded vowel is ʊ. This derives from a small turned capital Ω; although officially called a small Latin letter upsilon, it bears little resemblance to the Greek upsilon and is informally called "horseshoe u" instead. The equivalent X-SAMPA symbol is U.
Some languages may have a near-close near-back unrounded vowel (see below). However, no language is known to contrast rounding of this vowel, so the IPA has not devised a standard symbol for it.

Near-close near-back rounded vowel

Its vowel height is near-close, which means the tongue is positioned similarly to a close vowel, but slightly less constricted.
Its vowel backness is near-back, which means the tongue is positioned as in a back vowel, but slightly further forward in the mouth.
Its vowel roundedness is rounded, which means that the lips are rounded. However, no language is known to contrast rounding this place of articulation, so the IPA symbol has not devised separate symbols. History

Near-close near-back unrounded vowel

Its vowel height is near-close, which means the tongue is positioned similarly to a close vowel, but slightly less constricted.
Its vowel backness is near-back, which means the tongue is positioned as in a back vowel, but slightly further forward in the mouth.
Its vowel roundedness is unrounded, which means that the lips are not rounded.