The th sound in English: /θ/ /ð/
IPA: /θ/ /ð/ · Closest Arabic sound: الثاء (ث) أو الذال (ذ) (ثْ / ذْ)
The th sound explained
Put the tip of your tongue between your teeth and blow: 'th' as in think (Arabic thaa), or with voice as in this (Arabic dhaal). Arabic-speaking children are lucky: both exist in Arabic.
Two letters, one sound (digraphs): Two neighbouring letters make one new sound, such as sh, ch and th.
Words with th
Tap a word to hear it and repeat it with your child
Tip for parents and teachers
Compare three (thaa) and this (dhaal). Tongue between the teeth in both; only the voice differs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pronounce th in English?
Put the tip of your tongue between your teeth and blow: 'th' as in think (Arabic thaa), or with voice as in this (Arabic dhaal). Arabic-speaking children are lucky: both exist in Arabic. The sound is /θ/ /ð/, closest to the Arabic الثاء (ث) أو الذال (ذ).
Which words have th?
Three (ثلاثة), Think (يفكر), Thumb (إبهام), This (هذا), That (ذلك), Mother (أم).
What is the difference between a digraph and a blend?
In a digraph (like sh and ch) the two letters make one new sound; in a blend (like st and bl) each letter keeps its own sound and they are said quickly one after the other.