The Universal Atlas of Phonetic Evolution
Back to Matrix [y] → [i] Edit this Data

[i]→[y]Certainty: 5/5Commonality: 4/5

Close front unrounded vowel to Close front rounded vowel

The rounding of [i] to [y] is a common phonetic process where a front vowel acquires labial features from neighboring consonants or vowels, a hallmark of Germanic and Romance historical phonology.

Phonetic Effects

Rounding, Labial Assimilation

Language Examples

vinf→fünf— Rounding of [i] to [y] (ü) due to the surrounding labial [f].
fimus→fumier— Rounding influenced by the labial consonant [m].

Related Transformations

More Rounding Shifts

Sources & References

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