Spanish pronunciation: Fricativas - /s/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for fricativas - /s/.

Quick tip

Let the air pass through a narrow gap, creating friction.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• sol

• sí

• casa

• mesa

• sal

Minimal pairs

• casa / caza
• suma / zuma
• sal / zal
• paso / pazo
• silla / zilla

How to produce this sound

Place the tip of your tongue close to the ridge behind your upper teeth, let air pass through the narrow gap, creating a hissing sound like in 'see'.

Common mix-ups

• casa / caza
• silla / zilla
• sal / zal
• suma / zuma
• paso / pazo

Closest comparison

sun, see, sand, simple, bus