The "th" Sound

---

The "th" Sound

One of the most difficult consonants sounds for non-native speakers is the "th" with the voiceless /θ/sound as in think /ˈθɪŋk/ and the voiced /ð/ sound as in that /ˈðæt/.

The Voiceless /θ/

anything		earth		nothing		Thursday
author		ninth		thank		wealthy
both		health		thing		with

To produce the voiceless "th" sound (/θ/), tip of the tongue touches back of front teeth or edges of front teeth. Air flows out between tongue and teeth. Your vocal cords do not vibrate.

The Voiced /ð/

although		father		this		they
breathe		mother		the		those
clothing		rather		then		weather

To produce the voiced "th" sound (/ð/), tip of the tongue touches back of front teeth or edges of front teeth. Air flows out between tongue and teeth. Your vocal cords do not vibrate. Your vocal cords vibrate.

Make sure that your tongue vibrates under your upper teeth. Do not bite your tongue or press it on your upper teeth too strongly, this will block the flow of air that is required to produce the /ð/ sound correctly.