Pronunciation · Minimal pairs · low functional load
/ð/ vs /d/: they vs day
In short
The voiced dental /ð/ and the stop /d/ separate they/day, then/den and though/dough. Because /ð/ lives in the most frequent English words (the, this, that) the substitution is heard in nearly every sentence. This contrast carries a LOW functional load, it separates few word pairs, so while the substitution is noticeable, it rarely blocks understanding. Treat it as polish, not priority.
How to hear (and make) the difference
Let the air FLOW for /ð/; tongue between the teeth, continuous buzz. /d/ blocks the air completely. Practise 'the' on its own until the buzz is automatic; it is the most common word in English.
Most challenging for Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese speakers.
7 minimal pairs with audio
- theyðeɪdaydeɪ
- thenðendenden
- thoughðəʊdoughdəʊ
- thereðeədaredeə
- worthyˈwɜːðiwordyˈwɜːdi
- breathebriːðbreedbriːd
- latherˈlɑːðəladderˈlædə
Test your ear
Listening drill
/ð/ vs /d/: they vs day
Let the air FLOW for /ð/; tongue between the teeth, continuous buzz. /d/ blocks the air completely. Practise 'the' on its own until the buzz is automatic; it is the most common word in English.
The contrast in sentences
They came at last.
Day came at last.
It was there.
It was dare.
Keep exploring
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between they and day?
they /ðeɪ/ uses the /ð/ sound while day /deɪ/ uses /d/. Let the air FLOW for /ð/; tongue between the teeth, continuous buzz. /d/ blocks the air completely. Practise 'the' on its own until the buzz is automatic; it is the most common word in English.
Which learners find the /ð/ vs /d/ contrast hardest?
It is most challenging for Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese speakers, whose first languages don't separate these two sounds.