Pronunciation · Minimal pairs · medium functional load
/tʃ/ vs /ʃ/: chair vs share
In short
The explosive /tʃ/ and the continuous /ʃ/ separate chip/ship, watch/wash and cheap/sheep. French and Portuguese speakers often soften every /tʃ/ into /ʃ/. This contrast carries a MEDIUM functional load, the contrast separates a fair number of word pairs, so it is worth systematic practice once the high-load contrasts are stable.
How to hear (and make) the difference
/tʃ/ begins with a complete tongue-stop (a hidden t) then releases; /ʃ/ flows from the first instant. You can stretch 'shhhh' forever, but 'ch' always pops.
Most challenging for French, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Greek speakers.
7 minimal pairs with audio
- chairtʃeəshareʃeə
- chiptʃɪpshipʃɪp
- cheaptʃiːpsheepʃiːp
- watchwɒtʃwashwɒʃ
- catchkætʃcashkæʃ
- choptʃɒpshopʃɒp
- witchwɪtʃwishwɪʃ
Test your ear
Listening drill
/tʃ/ vs /ʃ/: chair vs share
/tʃ/ begins with a complete tongue-stop (a hidden t) then releases; /ʃ/ flows from the first instant. You can stretch 'shhhh' forever, but 'ch' always pops.
The contrast in sentences
Watch the children.
Wash the children.
I need to catch it.
I need to cash it.
Keep exploring
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between chair and share?
chair /tʃeə/ uses the /tʃ/ sound while share /ʃeə/ uses /ʃ/. /tʃ/ begins with a complete tongue-stop (a hidden t) then releases; /ʃ/ flows from the first instant. You can stretch 'shhhh' forever, but 'ch' always pops.
Which learners find the /tʃ/ vs /ʃ/ contrast hardest?
It is most challenging for French, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Greek speakers, whose first languages don't separate these two sounds.