Modifier letter small phi

It adds a phi-like friction detail beside a consonant.

The superscript phi is a spacing phonetic character, not a font-size change. In pᶲ, full-size p is the main sound; raised ᶲ marks a release with friction made by both lips, like the sound written ɸ. Some analyses call the result an affricate: a stop that releases into friction.

A Unicode encoding proposal published in 2004 reproduces a phonetics-book example from 1994, showing the modifier adding sound detail while keeping the main consonant visible. A full-size IPA chart dated 1930 includes ɸ for the voiceless bilabial fricative. In Julia 1.x, \^ltphi followed by Tab inserts ᶲ.

Why does ᶲ have different readings?

The surrounding notation sets the exact reading.

Descriptions use ᶲ for a [ɸ]-like plosive release, [ɸ]-coloring, or a weak, fleeting, or inserted [ɸ] sound. The mark can show friction as a consonant is released or a brief lip-friction quality around it.

A Changana transcription published in 2023 records [sᶲ]. A Tsonga chart uses sᶲ for sv and t͡sᶲ for tsv. These examples come from distinct language transcriptions, so check the notation key and the letters beside ᶲ before assigning a prose reading.