English pronunciation: Fricatives - /ʃ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for fricatives - /ʃ/.

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• she

• shop

• fish

• shoes

• short

Minimal pairs

• ship / sip
• she / see
• shop / sop
• shut / sut
• cash / cat

How to produce this sound

Place the tip of your tongue close to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. Blow air out gently, letting it pass over your tongue. Your vocal cords do not vibrate.

Common mix-ups

• ship / sip
• she / see
• shop / sop
• shut / sut
• cash / cat

Closest comparison

she, shop, fish, shoes, short