Z Isn't Just a Buzzy S

Korean has an S sound, but no separate Z — so many Korean speakers naturally reach for S wherever English wants Z. The catch is that English uses this pair to distinguish real words: 'zoo' versus 'sue,' 'zip' versus 'sip,' 'lose' versus 'loose.' The only real difference is that Z buzzes — your vocal cords vibrate the whole time you make the sound, while S stays silent and just hisses air. Try this: put two fingers lightly on your throat and say 'sssss' — no buzz. Now say 'zzzzz' and feel the vibration kick in. Once you feel that difference, say the pairs 'sip/zip' and 'sue/zoo' out loud, checking for the buzz on the Z words each time. Spend two minutes going back and forth between S and Z with your fingers on your throat as feedback. This tiny buzz carries a lot of meaning in English, so it's worth the extra attention — you'll get there with practice.