How to Pronounce the English TH Sound
Vocalyra teaching team · Last updated:
French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese speakers often replace English TH with t, d, s, z or f. The sound is easier than it seems once you know where the tongue goes. English actually has two TH sounds, and this guide covers both.
Tongue Position
Place the tip of your tongue lightly between your teeth, or just behind your upper front teeth. Push air out gently through the narrow gap. Do not bite down and do not stop the air: TH is a continuous sound, like s or f.
Two Sounds: Voiceless and Voiced
| Sound | How | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Voiceless [θ] | Air only, no vibration in the throat | think, three, thank, month, bath |
| Voiced [ð] | Same position, with throat vibration | this, that, the, mother, breathe |
Touch your throat while you say the sounds. For [θ] you feel nothing; for [ð] you feel a buzz. The most frequent English words (the, this, that, they, there) all use the voiced [ð].
Minimal Pairs
| TH word | Common substitute | Meaning changes to |
|---|---|---|
| think | sink | a kitchen sink |
| thin | tin | a metal |
| three | tree | a plant |
| they | day | a time |
| then | den | an animal's home |
| breathe | breeze | a light wind |
Typical Substitutions
- French speakers: often s or z ("I sink so" for I think so). Let the tongue tip touch the teeth.
- Spanish speakers: many already have [θ] in Spain (cinco), but in Latin America it is often t or d. Dental d in Spanish is close to [ð], so start from there and let air through.
- Brazilian Portuguese speakers: often t, d or f ("tree" for three, "fink" for think). Keep the lips relaxed so you don't produce f.
Even native speakers vary: some accents in London or New York use f or d for TH. Clear TH is still the safest choice for international communication and exams.
Quick self-check
Is the TH in mother voiced or voiceless?
Show answer
Voiced [ð].
Is the TH in thank voiced or voiceless?
Show answer
Voiceless [θ].
What word do people hear if you say "tree" instead of three?
Show answer
Tree, the plant.
Should you stop the air when you say TH?
Show answer
No. It is a continuous sound.
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