Minimal pair · General American
English /θ/ vs /f/Thin or fin?
The primary fricative identification matrix includes /θ–f/ confusions. The real-word pairs are editorial extensions; the study does not establish a training effect for this pool.
Practice these sounds/θ/
The unvoiced th sound
The opening noise is softer and more diffuse than the sharper hiss of /s/.
As inthin
/f/
Unvoiced lip-and-teeth friction
Air passes between the lower lip and upper teeth. Listen to the first sound.
As infin
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.
A different word.
The primary fricative identification matrix includes /θ–f/ confusions. The real-word pairs are editorial extensions; the study does not establish a training effect for this pool.
Listen for the target sound in each word.
Sound examples
Tap to hear each wordthin
/θɪn/having little thicknessthirst
/θɝst/a need for a drinkthick
/θɪk/having depththing
/θɪŋ/an object or mattertheme
/θim/a central subjectthree
/θɹi/the number 3thrill
/θɹɪl/a feeling of strong excitementfin
/fɪn/a fish’s swimming appendagefirst
/fɝst/before the others in orderfit
/fɪt/the right sizefee
/fi/a payment for a servicefat
/fæt/a substance used in cookingfree
/fɹi/not under another person’s controlfrill
/fɹɪl/a decorative gathered fabric edge14 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.