Language
Dutch
Unit
Medeklinkers
IPA
/z/
Practice words
5

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for fricatieven - /z/.

Quick tip

Fricatives are made by forcing air through a narrow gap, creating friction.

Letters and IPA

Letters

z

/z/

Practice words

  • zoon

  • zout

  • zomer

  • zeven

  • zien

Minimal pairs

  • zee / see
  • zoon / soen
  • zout / sout
  • zien / sien
  • zeven / seven

How to produce this sound

Place your tongue close to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth, and let your vocal cords vibrate as you make a buzzing 'z' sound, like in 'zoo'.

Common mix-ups

  • zee / see
  • zoon / soen
  • zout / sout
  • zien / sien
  • zeven / seven

Closest comparison

zoo, zero, zone, zip, lazy

Keep exploring

Previous Fricatieven - /s/ Medeklinkers Next Fricatieven - /sx/ Medeklinkers