How to say the Z sound
Z as in zooIPA: /z/
Many children can say the Z sound by about 4–5 years. Some take longer, and that can be normal.
You can hear the Z sound in words like zoo, zip and zero. 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 Z sound
- Put your tongue tip near your top teeth: just like S.
- This time, turn your voice on.
- Let the air buzz through. Z is S with your voice switched on.
Words to practise
- zoo
- zip
- zero
- buzz
- zone
Try this sentence
The zebra is at the zoo.
Hear the difference
Each pair sounds almost the same, but one sound is different. Say them slowly and listen for the change.
- zoo and sue
- zip and sip
- zap and sap
Games for the Z sound
- Feed the Monster
- Magic Orb
- Tower Stacker
- Feed the Puppy
- Bubble Pop
- Echo Cave
- Slingshot Gallery
- Feed the Kiwi
- Treasure Chest
- Feed the Alien
- Word Fishing
- Feed the Dinosaur
- Feed the Robot
- Feed the Bear
- Feed the Dragon
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.