TH English Pronunciation

The “th” sound is one of the most distinctive and often challenging sounds for non-native English speakers. What makes it tricky is that there are actually two distinct “th” sounds in English, both spelled with “th,” but produced slightly differently.

These two sounds are classified as voiced and unvoiced (or voiceless).

The following diagram shows some examples of words that begins or ends with the th digraph. Scroll down the page for more examples and songs to help you learn how to pronounce words that uses the th digraph.

How to Pronounce TH?

How to Make the “th” Sound (General Position)
For both “th” sounds, the mouth position is almost identical:

1. Tongue Position: Gently place the tip of your tongue between your top and bottom front teeth. It should stick out just a tiny bit, or at least be touching the back of your top front teeth. Don’t press too hard.
2. Airflow: Gently blow air out past your tongue and between your teeth.
3. Relaxed Lips: Keep your lips relaxed and slightly open.

The Two Types of “th” Sounds
The only difference between the two “th” sounds is whether you use your vocal cords (voicing). You can test this by placing your hand on your throat while making the sound.

1. Voiceless “th” /θ/ (as in “thin”)
   How to make it: Place your tongue as described above. When you blow air out, do not use your vocal cords. It should sound like a continuous, soft hiss, almost like air escaping. You won’t feel any vibration in your throat.
   Examples:
   Think
   Thanks
   Birthday
   Mouth
   Bath
   Author
   Math
   

2. Voiced “th” /ð/ (as in “this”)
   How to make it: Place your tongue as described above. This time, as you blow air out, turn on your voice (make a humming sound with your vocal cords). You should feel a vibration in your throat. It will sound like a soft buzz.
   Examples:
   This
   That
   They
   Them
   The
   Mother
   Brother
   Weather
   

Lesson 1 - Unvoiced TH - English Pronunciation
FREE online pronunciation lesson with a native speaker.
Lesson 1a topic: unvoiced “th”. All levels

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Lesson 2 - “TH” - English Pronunciation
Voiced “th”

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“TH” Pronunciation English Meeting ESL Lesson
Pronunciation of the voiced & voiceless “TH” sound.

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English pronunciation: How to pronounce English th sounds
How to pronounce the English voiceless and voiced “th” sounds?

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