Why the "th" sound is so hard, and how to fix it
Many languages have no "th", so think turns into sink. Where your tongue goes, and pairs to practice.
NativeSpeech Editorial · Reviewed by NativeSpeech Content Team
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The “th” in think is one of the sounds learners find hardest, because many languages don’t have it at all. Your mouth reaches for the closest sound it knows, so think becomes sink or tink.
Where your tongue goes
Put the tip of your tongue lightly between your teeth and blow air out gently. No buzzing for /θ/ (think), a light buzz for /ð/ (this).
Try it now
Free to try
“I think three things went through.”
Practice the pairs
Say each pair slowly. Pause between the two words so you can hear the difference.
- think · sink
- three · free
- thank · tank
NativeSpeech Editorial
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