kiss
/kɪs/ UK /kɪs/ · US /kɪs/
A short i CVC word (ɪ) in the actions category. It belongs to the -iss word family.
actionsHear kiss
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “kiss”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /k/ – /ɪ/ – /s/ → kiss.
Example Sentences with Kiss
- A goodbye kiss.
- Kiss on the cheek.
- The hiss and the kiss both end with the same sound.
- Say "kiss" slowly, then say it as one word.
How to Spell “kiss”
Children most often write this word as kis, ikss, kisss, kiiss. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- Start with the picture: <strong>kiss</strong> begins with the /k/ sound, so begin with "k".
- Say the word slowly three times, then write one sound per letter: <strong>k - i - ss</strong>.
- The "i" in <strong>kiss</strong> says /ɪ/, not the letter name "ih". The mouth stays relaxed.
- The ending "<strong>ss</strong>" is one sound (/s/). Two letters, one sound — do not let the child say two sounds there.
Phonics Tip for Kiss
"kiss" and "hiss" and "miss" share the ending /ɪs/. Say them back to back so the child hears that only the first sound changes. That is the core of the -iss family.
Fun Facts About Kiss
Every letter in <strong>kiss</strong> carries one sound: k says /k/, i says /ɪ/, ss says /s/. That is what makes it fully decodable — a child who knows the three sounds can read <strong>kiss</strong> on the first try, with no guessing from the picture. It belongs to the -iss family, which has 2 other words in it: hiss, miss.
More Words in the -iss Family
Words that rhyme with kiss and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short i sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Kiss
- All short i CVC words — 52 words
- The -iss word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets