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How to say the CH sound

CH as in chipIPA: /tʃ/

Many children can say the CH sound by about 4–5 years. Some take longer, and that can be normal.

You can hear the CH sound in words like chip, chop and chair. On this page you can listen to it, see how to make it, and find games to practise it.

Hear the sound

Press play as many times as you like.

How to make the CH sound

  1. Start with your tongue tip up behind your top teeth: like a T.
  2. Release the tongue quickly while rounding your lips slightly.
  3. The air bursts out: a quick T followed by a rush of air.

Words to practise

  • chip
  • chop
  • chair
  • cheese
  • chicken

Try this sentence

The child chews a chip.

Hear the difference

Each pair sounds almost the same, but one sound is different. Say them slowly and listen for the change.

  • chew and shoe
  • chip and ship
  • chop and shop

Games for the CH sound

All games →

More to listen to

Just the sound

The sound on its own, said once.

Sound and syllables

The sound, then each syllable.

Practise the syllables

Say each syllable along with Molly.

How to make the sound

Step-by-step mouth and tongue tips.

Practice time

Listen and copy each word, then the sentence.

Hear the difference

Listen for how this sound differs from a similar one.

Why there are two voices

One voice says whole words. Molly says the sounds and syllables. Each one says its part clearly, the same way every time.

Tips for practising at home

  • Listen to the sound a few times before you try it.
  • Say each word slowly and clearly.
  • Keep it short. 5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
  • Cheer every try, even the ones that aren't perfect.

This is practice, not therapy. If you're worried about your child's speech, talk to a speech-language therapist or your GP.