How to Say the "TH" Sound Correctly
The "TH" sound is made by placing your tongue against your top teeth. It's one of the trickiest sounds in English, so let's break it down.
❌ "I sink so." (sounds like "sink")
✅ "I think so." (correct "th" sound)
How to Make the "TH" Sound
Touch the tip of your tongue lightly against the back of your top front teeth.
Push a small amount of air out, so it flows over your tongue.
You should feel a light, steady stream of air, not a sharp or blocked sound.
This is different from "s" or "t," where your tongue touches the roof of your mouth instead of your teeth.
Warm-Up Exercises
Before practicing words, warm up your tongue and mouth with these quick exercises:
Stick your tongue out, then touch it to your top teeth 5 times in a row.
Say "la-la-la" quickly 5 times to loosen your tongue.
Blow air softly through your teeth for 3 seconds, like blowing out a candle very slowly.
Two Types of "TH"
There are actually two "TH" sounds in English:
Soft "TH" (no voice)
Used in words like: think, three, thank, mouth, teeth
Your throat doesn't vibrate. It's just air.
Voiced "TH" (with voice)
Used in words like: this, that, mother, weather, breathe
Your throat vibrates slightly, like a gentle buzz.
Try saying "think" and "this" one after another.
Notice the difference: "think" is quiet air, "this" has a small buzz.
Common Mix-Ups
❌ "I sink so." → ✅ "I think so."
❌ "Dis is my book." → ✅ "This is my book."
❌ "My mudder is here." → ✅ "My mother is here."
❌ "Free things." → ✅ "Three things."
Tongue Twisters to Practice
"I think three things."
"This, that, and the other."
"My mother and father think this weather is nice."
Say each one slowly first, then try saying it faster once it feels natural.
Practice Words
Soft "TH": think, three, thank you, mouth, teeth, birthday
Voiced "TH": this, that, mother, weather, breathe, together
Try This
Say these 5 words out loud, slowly, every day this week: think, this, three, mother, teeth.
Focus on touching your tongue to your teeth each time.
