MinimalPairs
Lessons

Minimal pair · General American

English /ð/ vs /z/Breathe or breeze?

Listen to the last consonant, /ð/ or /z/. All examples have /i/ just before that ending. X can begin differently and still share the same final category.

Practice these sounds
/ð/

The ð category

Listen for the target sound in each word.

As inbreathe
/z/

A voiced buzz

Compare the voiced buzzing sound with the hiss in the other category.

As inbreeze

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Listen to the last consonant, /ð/ or /z/. All examples have /i/ just before that ending. X can begin differently and still share the same final category.

Listen for the target sound in each word.

Sound examples

Tap to hear each word
breathe
/bɹið/take air in and out
seethe
/sið/be intensely agitated
teethe
/tið/develop the first teeth
bathe
/beɪð/to wash the body
smooth
/smuð/having an even surface
breeze
/bɹiz/a gentle wind
seize
/siz/grab suddenly
tease
/tiz/provoke with jokes or mocking
graze
/ɡɹeɪz/to eat grass
choose
/tʃuz/to select

10 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.

Now, let your ears decide.

Can you hear the difference? Listen to two examples, then decide which sound you hear in a new word. Get feedback after every answer.

Practice these sounds

Keep the sound. Change the word.

Listen to the last consonant, /ð/ or /z/. All examples have /i/ just before that ending. X can begin differently and still share the same final category.

Explore all English contrasts
🌐 English