Think Isn't Tink: Italian's Missing TH Sound
Italian has no th sound, so t or d quietly step in — but this one small tongue shift changes how clear your English sounds.
Say 'think' and 'tink', then 'this' and 'dis'. If these pairs sound the same, you're likely substituting t or d for English θ and ð, a very natural habit since Italian has nothing like this sound. To make it, let your tongue tip rest lightly between your teeth instead of behind them, and let air hiss through steadily rather than stopping completely. Try this: place your tongue visibly between your teeth in a mirror, blow air for two seconds without voice for θ, then add your voice for ð. Practice 'think/tink', 'this/dis', and 'both/boat' this way, watching your tongue position each time. Give this two minutes today, going slowly and exaggerating the tongue placement. It will feel unusual at first since Italian never asks your tongue to do this — but it gets easier fast with a little deliberate practice.
Reader ratings and feedback are coming soon.
Sources (1)
- English Pronunciation for Italian Speakers | BoldVoice Blog
- Italian speakers frequently omit or incorrectly insert the 'H' sound due to its absence in their native language.
- The English 'Th' sounds are often mispronounced as T or D because Italian lacks this specific articulation.
- Italian speakers tend to roll their 'R', whereas American English requires a non-rolled, tongue-flipped articulation.