Pronunciation | /ʒ/ sound

Pronunciation | /ʒ/ sound | Englischlernen online

There are some patterns and rules that can help you identify when the /ʒ/ sound (as in "measure") is used in English, though they can sometimes be inconsistent due to the complex nature of English phonetics. Here are a few general guidelines:

1. Words ending in "-sure" or "-sion"

• When a word ends in "-sure" or "-sion", and the preceding vowel is unstressed, the /ʒ/ sound is often used:
  • Example: measure, pleasure, treasure, closure, leisure.
  • Example: conclusion, confusion, vision, occasion.

2. Words with "si" followed by a vowel

• When "si" appears before a vowel, particularly after an unstressed syllable, it often produces the /ʒ/ sound:
  • Example: television, decision, revision, collision.

3. Words of French origin

• Many words in English that contain the /ʒ/ sound are borrowed from French. These words often end in "-age" or "-ge," though there are exceptions:
  • Example: genre, mirage, massage, beige, rouge.

4. Sometimes in loanwords or words with "g" before an "e"

• Occasionally, "g" followed by an "e" can produce the /ʒ/ sound, especially in words of French origin:
  • Example: regime, prestige, genre.

Notable Exceptions:

• Not every word with these letter patterns follows the rule. For example, in the word "closure" we hear /ʒ/, but in "pressure," the sound is /ʃ/ (sh as in shall) . Similarly, "fusion" has /ʒ/, while "discussion" has /ʃ/.

While there are patterns, English's varied origins and evolution mean there will always be exceptions.

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Pronunciation | /ʒ/ sound

Pronunciation | /ʒ/ sound | Englischlernen online

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