How to Master the English TH Sound: A Complete Guide for Spanish Speakers

Are you struggling with the English TH sound?  You're not alone! The TH sound is one of the most challenging English pronunciation hurdles for Spanish speakers.  Since this sound doesn't exist in Spanish, many native Spanish speakers substitute it with "D", "T", or "S" sounds, saying "dis" instead of "this" or "tree" instead of "three". Many are unaware of this mispronunciation and wonder why native speakers ask for you to repeat or look confused when you speak.  

This comprehensive guide will help you master both the voiced TH (as in "this") and voiceless TH (as in "think") sounds that are essential for clear English pronunciation. 

 Why Spanish Speakers Struggle with the TH Sound                          

The English TH sound poses unique challenges for Spanish speakers because: 

• No equivalent exists in Spanish:  Unlike English, Spanish doesn't have the TH phoneme
• Tongue placement differences:  Spanish sounds are produced with different tongue positions
• Voicing confusion:  Distinguishing between voiced TH and voiceless TH is particularly difficult

Why Correct TH Pronunciation Matters for Spanish Speakers

Mastering the TH sound significantly improves your English pronunciation and helps you:  

• Sound more natural and confident
• Avoid miscommunication in professional settings
• Enhance your overall English fluency
• Reduce your Spanish accent in English

Understanding the Two TH Sounds in English

Voiceless TH - as in "think"

• Common words:  think, thank, three, thin, math, bath
• Tongue position:  Tip of tongue lightly protrudes between the upper and lower teeth
• Airflow:  Breath flows through without vocal cord vibration
• Spanish speaker mistake:  Often pronounced as "S" (sink instead of think)

Voiced TH - as in "this"

• Common words:  this, that, these, those, the, mother
• Tongue position:  Tip of tongue lightly protrudes between the upper and lower teeth
• Airflow:  Vocal cords vibrate while air passes through 
• Spanish speaker mistake:  Often pronounced as "D" (dis instead of this)

Step-by-Step TH Sound Practice for Spanish Speakers

1.  Perfect Your Tongue Placement by keeping your tongue relaxed not tense

2.  Master the Airflow:  

• Voiceless TH:  Blow air through your teeth without using your voice
• Voiced TH:  Add vocal cord vibration (feel this on your throat as you pronounce the words), while maintaining airflow

Take your TH Sound Practice Further

Are you ready to perfect your TH sound pronunciation?  Watch the accompanying video below for detailed tongue placement demonstrations and guided practice exercises specifically designed for Spanish speakers.

The video includes: 

• visual tongue placement guides
• step-by-step pronunciation techniques
• practice words and sentences

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more English pronunciation tips tailored specifically for Spanish speakers!  

With consistent practice and the right techniques, you'll master the English TH sound and speak with greater clarity and confidence!