How to Pronounce TH
Did you know that the TH sound can be pronounced in two different ways?
While this may seem overwhelming, but don't worry. With these tips and some practice you will master both pronunciations:
1) The Unvoiced TH /θ/
The unvoiced TH /θ/ sound is produced by placing the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower front teeth and allowing air to flow through the narrow opening.
The sound is made without vibration of the vocal cords, resulting in a "breathy" or "hissing" quality. The sound is similar to the "s" sound in "think" or "bath" and does not require any significant effort from the throat.
Examples:
think = θɪŋk
I think so.
thanks = θæŋks
Thanks for coming.
thousand = ˈθaʊzənd
The painting costs a thousand dollars.
through / threw = θru / θru
She threw the ball through the window.
nothing / ˈnʌ - θɪŋ
There’s nothing here.
birthday = ˈbɜrθ - ˌdeɪ
My birthday is in March.
health / healthy = hɛlθ / ˈhɛl - θi
Healthy food contributes to good health.
both = boʊθ
Both are funny.
tooth / teeth = tuθ / tiθ
This tooth is a different color than my other teeth.
month = mʌnθ
We’re going to New York next month.
north / south = nɔrθ / saʊθ
Do I drive north or south?
2) The Voiced TH /ð/
The voiced TH /ð/ sound is produced by placing the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower front teeth, similar to the unvoiced TH /θ/ sound, but with the vocal cords vibrating.
This creates a voiced sound that is similar to the "th" sound in "the" or "that". The sound requires more effort from the vocal cords and throat than the unvoiced TH /θ/ sound, and the vibration of the tongue can be felt when producing the sound correctly.
Examples:
The = ði
She’s the best.
this / that = ðɪs / ðæt
This one is bad. That one’s good.
them / themselves = ðɛm / ðɛmˈsɛlvz
I came with them. / They came by themselves.
these / those = ðiz / ðoʊz
These are too big. Those fit better.
they = ðeɪ
They can’t come tonight..
their = ðɛr
Their dog is so sweet.
there = ðɛr
There aren’t enough.
another = ə - ˈnʌ - ðər
Would you like another drink?
mother / father / brother = ˈmʌ - ðər / ˈfɑ - ðər / ˈbrʌ - ðər
His mother, father and brother live in Spain.
breathe = brið
Breathe in. Breathe out.
smooth = smuð
It was a smooth ride.
northern / southern = ˈnɔrðərn / ˈsʌðərn
The Northern and Southern Hemispheres have opposite seasons.
Get Coaching That Gets Results
Click here for 1:1 customized coaching programs that will help you achieve your career goals faster.
“Tannia is a very authentic person and is able to provide clients powerful and versatile communication tools that can be employed in daily conversations, in negotiations or in meetings. Recently, an American client told me that she’s really impressed with my English. It felt awesome. Thanks, Tannia, for your support!” —Chris G.
