How to Pronounce the TH Sound (θ) in English
Learn to pronounce the voiceless TH sound /θ/ as in 'think', 'three', and 'bath'. Step-by-step tongue placement guide with practice drills.
EXAMPLE WORDS
COMMON MISTAKES
- Replacing θ with /s/ — 'think' becomes 'sink'
- Replacing θ with /t/ — 'three' becomes 'tree'
- Replacing θ with /f/ — 'bath' becomes 'baf'
MOST CHALLENGING FOR
STEP-BY-STEP PRACTICE
θ θ θ
/θ/
Place your tongue tip gently between your teeth. Blow air out softly — no voice, just air.
think
/θɪŋk/
Start with tongue between teeth, then pull back for the rest of the word.
three
/θriː/
Tongue between teeth, then quickly move to the R sound.
think — sink
/θɪŋk / sɪŋk/
Feel the difference: tongue BETWEEN teeth for 'think', tongue BEHIND teeth for 'sink'.
thick — tick
/θɪk / tɪk/
'Thick' has air flowing past the tongue. 'Tick' has a sharp stop.
bath
/bæθ/
End with tongue between teeth, air flowing out.
month
/mʌnθ/
Finish the word by placing tongue gently between teeth.
I think three thoughts
/aɪ θɪŋk θriː θɔːts/
Three TH sounds in a row — keep your tongue active between your teeth.
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