Minimal pair · Standard Southern British
British English /s/ vs /z/S /s/ and Z /z/
Separate the two alveolar fricatives. Sum is the arithmetic total, and seal is the animal noun. A Southern British reference bank, not a description of every UK accent. These are editorial word pools supported by pronunciation references, not recovered experimental stimulus lists.
Explore listening lessonsAn unvoiced hiss
Listen for the narrow, hissing sound in the target consonant.
A voiced buzz
Compare the voiced buzzing sound with the hiss in the other category.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.
A different word.
Separate the two alveolar fricatives. Sum is the arithmetic total, and seal is the animal noun. A Southern British reference bank, not a description of every UK accent. These are editorial word pools supported by pronunciation references, not recovered experimental stimulus lists.
Sound examples
Cached recordings are being prepared6 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.
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