The letter Z: listen, repeat, and write
Zebra · حِمار وَحشي
Letter name: زد / زي · Letter sound: زْ /z/
How to say the letter Z
Same position as S but with the voice on: 'zzz' like a bee. Identical to the Arabic zay.
In phonics we teach the sound of a letter before its name, because the sound is what the child uses when reading. The name of Z is "زد / زي" in Arabic script, but when we read Zebra we hear the sound /z/.
Words that start with Z
Tap a word to hear it, then repeat it with your child
Short sentence
The zebra is at the zoo.
الحمار الوحشي في حديقة الحيوان.
Trace the letter Zz
Write with your finger or mouse over the faded letter, then try the small letter
Letter Z worksheets to print
Trace capital Z
Dotted tracing rows for capital Z with a Zebra picture.
Trace small z
Dotted tracing rows for small z on handwriting lines.
Picture and word
Zz with a Zebra picture and words that start with the letter to read, trace and colour.
Colour the letter Z
Big outline capital and small letters to colour with the word Zebra.
Find and circle Z
A grid of mixed letters: find capital Z and small z and circle them.
Which words start with Z?
8 words in English and Arabic: colour the star next to the words that start with the Z sound.
Tip for parents and teachers
The last letter! Celebrate with your child. The name is 'zed' in British and 'zee' in American English; the sound is the same.
What comes after Z?
FAQ about the letter Z
How is the letter Z pronounced?
The letter name is "Z". Its reading (phonics) sound is /z/, closest to the Arabic حرف الزاي (ز). Same position as S but with the voice on: 'zzz' like a bee. Identical to the Arabic zay.
What is the difference between the name and the sound of Z?
We use the name when spelling, but the sound is what we hear at the start of Zebra. In phonics we teach the sound first because it is what the child needs to read words.
Which words start with Z for kids?
Zebra (حمار وحشي), Zoo (حديقة حيوان), Zero (صفر), Zip (سحّاب), Zigzag (متعرّج). Listen to each one on this page.
How do I teach my child the letter Z at home?
The last letter! Celebrate with your child. The name is 'zed' in British and 'zee' in American English; the sound is the same. Then print the free tracing sheet and write capital Z and small z together.