How to Pronounce TH ?

Introduction

Practicing the pronunciation of "th" sounds in English can seem challenging at first, but with some tips and exercises, you can master it. Remember that "th" requires you to put your tongue between your teeth. Let's dive into the details of how to produce both voiced and voiceless "th" sounds with the help of some example words.

Voiced TH Sound

When we say the word "this," we are producing a voiced "th" sound. This means that our vocal cords vibrate when we make this sound. Here is the step-by-step process to achieve it:

Place your tongue between your upper and lower teeth.
Keep your tongue in that position.
As you say "this," put your finger on your throat— you should feel a vibration.

Example:

This: If you place your finger on your throat and say "this," you will feel the vibration.

Voiceless TH Sound

Now, let's talk about the voiceless "th" sound as in "think." The steps are very similar to the voiced "th," but without the vibration:

Place your tongue between your upper and lower teeth.
Keep your tongue in that position.
Say "think" without vibrating your vocal cords.

Example:

Think: In this case, if you place your finger on your throat while saying "think," you won't feel any vibration.

Additional Voiced TH Example

Another word that includes the voiced "th" sound is "breathe." Follow the same steps:

Place your tongue between your upper and lower teeth.
Keep your tongue there.
Put your finger on your throat and say "breathe." You should feel the vibration.

Example:

Breathe: Similarly to "this," when you say "breathe," placing your finger on your throat should reveal a vibration.

Keywords

Voiced
Voiceless
Tongue between teeth
Vibration
This
Think
Breathe

FAQ

What is the main difference between voiced and voiceless "th" sounds?

The primary difference lies in the vibration of the vocal cords. Voiced "th" sounds (e.g., "this," "breathe") require a vibration, while voiceless "th" sounds (e.g., "think") do not.

How can I practice the "th" sound?

Place your tongue between your teeth and practice by saying words like "this," "think," and "breathe," noting whether or not you feel a vibration in your throat.

Why is it difficult to pronounce "th" correctly?

Pronouncing "th" can be tricky for non-native speakers because it involves placing the tongue in an unusual position between the teeth, which isn't common in many other languages.

Can you provide more examples of words with "th" sounds?

Certainly! Here are a few more words with the "th" sound:

Voiced: that, other, their
Voiceless: thought, theory, bath