Mastering the “Th” Sound in English: Simple Tips for a Tricky Pronunciation

Have you ever avoided saying words like "this," "think," or "that" because you weren’t sure how to pronounce them? You’re not alone. One of my students recently shared during a phonetics course that the “th” sound causes anxiety every time they speak. This is common for French speakers — this sound doesn’t exist in French, and it feels unnatural at first.

But here's the good news: you can learn it. With a bit of guidance and daily practice, you’ll be pronouncing “th” with ease — and without embarrassment.

❓ Why Is the “Th” Sound So Difficult?

There are actually two “th” sounds in English:

• Voiceless /θ/ as in think, birthday, nothing

• Voiced /ð/ as in this, brother, mother

French has neither of these sounds. So many French speakers substitute /s/, /z/, /t/, or /d/, which can confuse listeners and sometimes lead to misunderstandings — especially in professional settings.

If you’ve been studying English with me — whether in private lessons, E-learning, or an English course with CPF in Vincennes — this might sound familiar!

👅 How to Pronounce It (Without Looking Silly)

Here’s a simple technique I give my students in private tutoring in English and online courses:

1. Gently place the tip of your tongue between your teeth.

2. Blow air out (for /θ/) or add vibration (for /ð/).

Try it like this:

• Voiceless /θ/ (no vibration): Whisper “ssssss,” then move your tongue forward to say “thhhhh.” You should feel air, but no voice.

• Voiced /ð/ (with vibration): Start with “zzzzz,” then move your tongue forward the same way. Your throat should buzz.

Practice these words:

• /θ/: think, thumb, Thursday, math, nothing

• /ð/: this, that, those, brother, weather

A small tongue movement is enough — no need to exaggerate. Practice in front of a mirror for 3–5 minutes a day.

🧠 Activity 1: Which “Th” Sound?

Which word has the /θ/ sound (voiceless), and which has the /ð/ sound (voiced)?

1. Thank

2. Them

3. Through

4. Those

5. Thought

✅ Answers:

1. /θ/ – Thank

2. /ð/ – Them

3. /θ/ – Through

4. /ð/ – Those

5. /θ/ – Thought

🎧 Activity 2: “Th” or Not “Th”?

Instructions:Say each word aloud. Does it have a “th” sound? If yes, is it voiceless /θ/ or voiced /ð/? If not, say “No.”

1. That

2. Thin

3. Father

4. Sink

5. Weather

6. Math

7. Thought

8. They

9. Dog

10. Theater

✅ Answers:

1. That → Yes, /ð/

2. Thin → Yes, /θ/

3. Father → Yes, /ð/

4. Sink → No

5. Weather → Yes, /ð/

6. Math → Yes, /θ/

7. Thought → Yes, /θ/

8. They → Yes, /ð/

9. Dog → No

10. Theater → Yes, /θ/

🎓 You Can Learn This — Without Changing Who You Are

You don’t need to sound British or American. You just need to be clear and confident. The “th” sound is just one of many features we explore in my American phonetics course, which I teach online and is eligible for the CPF.

Whether you’re looking for an English course in Vincennes, want to study through E-learning, or prefer private lessons in English, I’ll guide you step by step until you feel natural and at ease.

🔗 Learn more about my pronunciation course