Think Isn't 'Sink': Korean's Missing TH Sound

Korean has no direct match for English 'th,' so learners often substitute the closest available sound — S for the soft 'th' in 'think,' or D for the buzzy 'th' in 'this.' The result: 'think' can sound like 'sink,' and 'this' can sound like 'dis,' both real words that change your meaning completely. The fix is a new tongue position, not a new muscle: gently place your tongue tip between your upper and lower teeth and push a little air through for 'think,' or add voice for 'this.' Try 'three,' 'think,' and 'bath,' really feeling your tongue touch your teeth each time. Two-minute drill: alternate 'sink' and 'think' slowly, checking with a mirror that your tongue actually appears between your teeth on the second word. It'll feel silly at first — that's normal, since Korean never asks your tongue to go there. Keep at it, and the distinction will start to feel automatic.