“TH” Words for Kids: How to Pronounce the TH Sound

If you’re wondering how to pronounce the “TH” sound or whether your child’s “TH” errors are normal, you’re in good company. Many children need extra time and practice to learn how to make the “TH” sound. This guide explains what’s typical, includes “TH” word lists for kids, and shares speech therapy exercises that help children speak clearly and confidently.

Maybe your child says “fink” instead of “think,” or “dat” instead of “that.” They aren’t alone! The “TH” sound is one of the trickiest speech sounds to learn, and it often develops later than others. 

While many children learn how to say the “TH” sound on their own over time, others benefit from extra practice and support. Find out what “TH” sound errors may sound like, when children typically learn to make the “TH” sound, and how to practice at home using simple “TH” words. You’ll also learn when speech therapy may be helpful.

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How to make the “TH” sound

Learning how to pronounce the “TH” sound can feel tricky at first, but good news: It’s very teachable. With a little practice and the right mouth placement, most children and adults can learn how to make the “TH” sound clearly and comfortably.

To say the “TH” sound, start with your tongue. Gently place the tip of your tongue between your top and bottom teeth. You only need a small amount of your tongue showing–don’t stick it out all the way.

Next, blow air out of your mouth. Your voice does the rest.

If it helps, think of the “TH” sound as a “soft air sound.” The tongue stays relaxed, the teeth stay slightly open, and the air flows smoothly. There’s no popping or stopping of air–just a steady breath moving forward.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic mouth position, consider that there isn’t just one “TH” sound. In fact, English uses two different “TH” sounds. Understanding the difference can make pronunciation even clearer.

Types of “TH” sounds

There are two separate “TH” sounds in English. Learning the difference can make it much easier to understand how to pronounce the “TH” sound and help kids say it more clearly.

The quiet “TH” sound (voiceless)

Example word: “think”

The quiet “TH” sound is sometimes called the voiceless “TH” sound. You’ll hear more air when you say it.

To make the “TH” sound in a word like “think,” place your tongue slightly between your teeth and blow air out. Your voice stays “off” for this sound, which is why it feels extra airy.

Quiet or voiceless “TH” sound examples:

• thank

• thumb

• three

• bath

These are great “TH” words for kids to practice because the airflow is easy to hear and feel.

The buzzing “TH” sound (voiced)

Example word: “they”

The buzzing “TH” sound, also called the voiced “TH,” uses the same tongue position. But this time, your voice is “on.”

When you say the “TH” sound in “they,” you’ll notice less air and more vibration. That buzzing feeling comes from your vocal folds working during the sound.

Buzzing or voiced “TH” sound examples:

• this

• that

• those 

• other

Here’s a quick trick to hear and feel the difference: Say “think” and “they” out loud. Now say them again while gently placing your hand on your throat during the “TH” sound.

• No vibration? That’s the quiet (voiceless) “TH.”

• Feel a buzz? That’s the buzzing (voiced) “TH.”

Pretty cool, right? The only difference between these two sounds is whether the voice is on or off. For both types, the tongue sticks out just a little between the front teeth (never all the way).

Understanding these two “TH” sounds can make practicing easier and help kids feel more confident as they learn how to say the “TH” sound correctly.

Now that you know the two types of “TH” sounds, the next step is practice. One of the best ways to help children learn to make the “TH” sound is to use clear, simple “TH” words for kids. Below, you’ll find word lists for each type of “TH” sound so your child can hear, feel, and practice the difference.

Voiceless “TH” words for kids 

The voiceless “TH” sound is quiet and airy. You’ll hear more breath and feel no buzzing in the throat. These words are great for practicing how to make the “TH” sound when the voice is turned off.

• thanks

• thumb

• thirsty 

• think

• theater

• bathtub

• earthquake

• nothing

• something

• toothpaste 

• both

• math

• mouth

• sloth

• teeth 

Voiced “TH” words for kids  

The voiced “TH” sound is noisier and uses the voice. You’ll feel a gentle buzz in your throat when saying these words. These “TH” words help children practice how to say the “TH” sound when the voice is turned on.

• that

• them

• the

• these

• they

• mother

• bathing

• weather

• father

• another

• breathe

• bathe

• teethe

When should children be able to say the “TH” sound?

Many parents wonder at what age their child should say the ‘TH’ sound. The answer depends on which type of “TH” sound you’re listening for.

Most children learn to say the voiced “TH” sound (as in they) sometime between 5 and 6 years old. The voiceless “TH” sound (as in think) usually develops a little later, around 6 years old, says Marissa Silva, M.S., CCC-SLP, an Expressable speech therapist and expert in speech sound disorders.

It’s very common for the “TH” sound to be mastered later than other speech sounds. This is because the way you make the “TH” sound requires precise tongue placement and airflow, which can take time for children to coordinate. Many kids go through a long phase of using substitute sounds, like /d/ or /f/, before they say “TH” clearly.

That said, it’s helpful to keep an eye on your child’s speech as they approach kindergarten. If your child isn’t showing any improvement with the “TH” sound by this age, or if their speech is hard for others to understand, it may be a good idea to talk with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist.

Most importantly, parents should know this: late “TH” sound development is usually normal. With time, modeling, and practice, many children learn how to say the “TH” sound correctly on their own.

Common speech errors with the “TH” sound

When children are learning how to say the “TH” sound, it’s common for them to use easier sounds instead. Silva explains that these are called sound substitutions, and they are a normal part of speech development.

Here are the most common “TH” sound errors parents may notice:

“F” for “TH”

This happens often with the voiceless “TH” sound.

• think → fink

• thumb → fum

“D” or “V” for “TH”

These substitutions are more common with the voiced “TH” sound.

• that → dat

• this → dis

• mother → muvver

These errors happen because the “TH” sound requires the tongue to move between the teeth, which feels unfamiliar for many children. Sounds like /f/, /d/, and /v/ are easier to produce and don’t require the same tongue placement, so kids often use them instead.

The good news? These substitutions are expected and typical while children are learning how to pronounce the “TH” sound. Silva says, “With consistent exposure, gentle practice, and the right support, most children learn to correct these patterns over time.”

How to start practicing the "TH" sound

When teaching the “TH” sound, it’s best to start simple and build skills step by step. Speech therapists usually follow a clear progression when teaching people how to make the “TH” sound, and you can use the same approach at home.

Before moving to the next level, aim for about 80%-90% accuracy. This helps practice feel successful and keeps kids motivated as they learn how to say the “TH” sound.

Teaching the "TH" sound by itself

Before using the lists of “TH” words, children need to learn how to make the “TH” sound on its own. The “TH” sound is very visual–you can see the tongue gently stick out between the teeth.

Start by modeling the sound for your child. Put your tongue slightly between your teeth and blow air. Have your child copy you. Try it with voice (like they) and without voice (like think). Many children find one easier than the other, so start there and build confidence first.

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Teaching the "TH" sound in syllables

Once your child can copy the “TH” sound by itself, add vowels. This helps bridge the gap before practicing full words.

Model simple syllables like:

• thee, they, though

• ath, eeth, ith

• ootha, ethee

Repeat the syllables your child does best before moving on. This step helps children smoothly transition to saying “TH” words.

Teaching the "TH" sound in words

When your child can say “TH” in syllables about 80% of the time, it’s time to practice “TH” words. This is an exciting milestone and a big step toward clear speech.

Start with words that match your child’s strengths–whether “TH” comes at the beginning (think), middle (bathtub), or end (math) of the word. Practice during fun activities like movement games, board games, or with picture cards. Short, playful practice helps reinforce how to say the “TH” sound without pressure.

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Teaching the "TH" sound in phrases and sentences

Next, help your child use “TH” words in short phrases and sentences. This step is important because some kids can say a word correctly on its own but struggle when it’s part of a sentence.

Try silly sentence games or simple fill-in-the-blank stories using the “TH” word lists in this article. Keep practice light and fun while working toward accuracy at the beginning, middle, and end of words.

Teaching the "TH" sound in conversation

The final step is using the “TH” sound during real, everyday conversations. This is called carryover. Talk with your child and listen for their “TH” productions. Try saying: “I’m going to listen for your 'TH' sounds!” Then talk for about 10 minutes and gently model or repeat words as needed.

It’s common for children to say “TH” correctly in practice but struggle during real conversations. This step takes time and patience. If conversation feels tricky, have your child retell a favorite story or describe a movie they’ve seen. This helps them practice how to say the “TH” sound in a natural, meaningful way.

Silva also recommends helping your child simply notice “TH” sounds in everyday speech. Ask them to listen for “TH” words that you or others say, or even ones they say themselves. Awareness is the first step toward self-correction.

Over time, reduce reminders so your child becomes more independent. When they use the “TH” sound naturally in conversation, they’ve truly mastered how to say it.

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How to Practice Speech Sounds at Home

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“TH” sound speech therapy activities

If your child is struggling with saying the “TH” sound, a speech therapist can offer guidance tailored to their needs. That said, these simple tips can make practicing at home more effective and more encouraging.

Use a mirror

The “TH” sound is very visual, which makes a mirror a powerful tool. Sit with your child and look at how your tongue gently sticks out between your teeth. Then have your child copy what they see.

Using a mirror helps children better understand how to make the “TH” sound and become aware of correct tongue placement.

Try listening first (sound discrimination)

Before asking your child to say “TH,” practice listening. Say a word correctly and incorrectly (like think vs. fink), and ask your child to tell you which one sounds right.

This activity helps children hear the difference before trying to say the “TH” sound themselves (and often makes pronunciation easier later).

Start with one “TH” sound

When beginning practice, choose either the voiced or voiceless “TH” sound to focus on first. Working on one at a time helps prevent overwhelm and allows your child to feel successful. Once one version feels easier, you can move on to the other.

Practice often—but keep it short and fun!

Consistency matters more than long sessions. Aim to practice 2 to 3 times per week for just a few minutes at a time.

Use games, books, and everyday routines to keep practice positive. Learning how to pronounce the “TH” sound should feel encouraging, not stressful.

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When to consider speech therapy for the “TH” sound

Many children need extra time to master the “TH”  sound, and that’s OK. However, speech therapy may be helpful if:

• Your child’s “TH” errors continue past the expected age range

• Their speech is hard for others to understand

• They feel frustrated or avoid speaking

• Progress has stalled despite regular practice

A licensed speech therapist can evaluate your child’s speech and create a plan tailored to their needs. With online speech therapy, parents can be involved every step of the way and learn strategies to use at home. Home practice leads to faster progress!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you pronounce the “TH” sound correctly?

To pronounce the “TH” sound, gently place the tip of your tongue between your top and bottom teeth and blow air out. For words like think, the voice stays off. For words like they, the voice turns on. 

What are some good “TH” words for kids to practice?

Simple, familiar words work best when children are learning the “TH” sound. Examples include think, thumb, three, that, this, and they. Using short, everyday “TH” words helps children focus on how to make the “TH” sound without feeling overwhelmed.

What are common “TH” sound examples of speech errors?

Common errors include replacing the “TH” sound with /f/, /d/, or /v/, such as saying fink for think or dat for that. These substitutions happen because sounds like /f/ and /d/ are easier to produce than “TH.”

At what age should a child say the “TH” sound?

Most children can make the voiceless “TH” (like thank) between ages 4.5 and 7, and the voiced “TH” (like them) between ages 5 and 8. Later mastery is common and usually not a cause for concern.

What are some “TH” sound speech therapy exercises or activities?

“TH” sound speech therapy exercises often start with practicing the sound by itself, then moving to syllables, words, and sentences. Fun “TH” sound speech therapy activities include games, picture cards, reading books with “TH” words, and short conversation practice. If you’re unsure where to start, our free online screener can help determine whether speech therapy may help your child.

Key takeaways

• The “TH” sound is one of the trickiest speech sounds to learn, and many children need extra time to master it. “TH” sound errors are common and usually part of typical speech development.

• English has two “TH” sounds: voiceless (like think) and voiced (like they). Both use the same tongue placement.

• Most children can pronounce the voiceless “TH” between ages 4.5 and 7, and the voiced “TH” between ages 5 and 8. 

• Practicing with short, simple “TH” words helps children learn how to make the “TH” sound step by step.

• A speech therapist can help children practice sounds, improve clarity, and build confidence when “TH” errors persist.