For French speakers
then or zen?
/ð/ often replaced with /z/ by speakers whose L1 lacks interdentals.
The sound in “then”
/ð/
as in this /ðɪs/
Like /θ/ but voiced.
- Tongue:
- tip-dental
- Lips:
- neutral
- Voicing:
- voiced
The sound in “zen”
/z/
as in zoo /zu/
Like /s/ but voiced.
- Tongue:
- tip-alveolar
- Lips:
- spread
- Voicing:
- voiced
Hear the difference
Tap each word. Every pair differs by exactly one sound — if both sound the same when you say them, this is your pair to drill.
Do you mix up then and zen?
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