Lectura

S AND Z SOUNDS

English has both voiceless "s" and voiced "z" sounds, which may not exist in some learners' native languages. The distinction between them is important for word meaning, e.g., "sip" vs "zip."

"S" Sound

The "s" sound is like a soft, hissing sound. When you say words with "s," your vocal cords don't vibrate; they stay still.

To make this sound, place your tongue close to the roof of your mouth (but don't touch it). Then, gently blow air out between your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

"S" Sound Examples

• snake
• sit
• sun
• see

"Z" Sound

The "z" sound is similar to the "s" sound, but your vocal cords vibrate when you say it. It's a bit like a buzzing or humming sound.

To make this sound, do the same tongue position as "s," but let your vocal cords vibrate. It should sound like a soft "zzzz."

"Z" Sound Examples

• zero
• zebra
• zip
• prize

REMEMBER

The main difference is whether your vocal cords vibrate. "S" is quiet (no buzzing), and "z" is like a gentle buzz.

Ready to practice? Listen and repeat.

Practica leyendo en voz alta los ejemplos S y Z. ¿Sientes vibración al pronunciar /z/?

1. Coloca tu mano en la garganta al decir 'snake' (sin vibración) y 'zero' (con vibración).
2. Compara pares mínimos: sip/zip, racer/razor.

Ejemplo 1

Diagrama 1

Cuerdas vocales: sordo vs sonoro.

flowchart LR
  Voiceless[/s/ — cuerdas vocales SIN vibrar]
  Voiced[/z/ — cuerdas vocales VIBRAN]
  Voiceless --> EjS[snake · sit · sun · see]
  Voiced --> EjZ[zero · zebra · zip · prize]

Tablas

Glosario

• voiceless: Sordo: sonido producido sin vibración de las cuerdas vocales.
• voiced: Sonoro: sonido producido con vibración de las cuerdas vocales.
• vocal cords: Cuerdas vocales.
• minimal pair: Par mínimo: dos palabras que solo se distinguen por un sonido (sip vs zip).
• hissing: Siseante; sonido como el de una serpiente.
• humming: Tarareo; zumbido suave.