SH vs ZH Pronunciation: English /ʃ/ and /ʒ/ Sounds Explained
Learn the difference between the English SH and ZH sounds. Practice Shiny Fish /sh/ and Usual Beige /zh/ with clear examples and mouth-position tips to speak naturally and confidently.
Where is the sound made?
Both sounds are made near the front-middle of your mouth, with similar tongue and lip positions:
-
The tip of your tongue is pulled slightly back behind The Ridge (your alveolar ridge).
-
The sides of your tongue lightly touch the inside edges of your upper back teeth.
-
Your lips are gently rounded—not a tight circle, just a soft, relaxed rounding.
How does the air flow?
- Both Shiny Fish /sf and Usual Beige /zh/ are continuous sounds meaning the air flows smoothly and steadily.
Do I use my voice?
- Shiny Fish /sh/ is voiceless — only quiet, steady air moves through your mouth.
No buzzing. No vibration. - Usual Beige /zh/ is a voiced — your vocal cords vibrate as you say it.
You can feel a soft buzz in the tip of your tongue.
For Shiny Fish /sh/
-
Substituting /s/, so shoe sounds like sue
-
Substituting /ch/, so shop sounds like chop
For Usual Beige /zh/
-
Substituting /z/, so measure sounds like mezzure
-
Substituting /sh/, so vision sounds like vishon
Shiny Fish /sh/ and Usual Beige /zh/ Training
The following exercises combine listening, shadowing, and gradually increasing complexity to help you internalize new sounds and rhythm patterns in your spoken English.
Level 1 is available to all visitors. CEA members unlock the complete training.
-
Silly Face /s/
-
Shiny Fish /sh/
-
see
-
she
-
sue
-
shoe
-
sigh
-
shy
-
sake
-
shake
-
so
-
show
-
flood these words
-
flood these words
Your next step: Become a CEA member and get...
Train your pronunciation with carefully designed phrases, sentences, and full paragraphs that help you integrate new sounds and rhythm into real-life speech.
Get inspired to speak! Each lesson includes structured prompts to help you describe, explain, and express yourself using the skills you're developing.
Access sound-specific word lists, visual guides, and other printable tools to support your learning and keep you on track.
Have a question about what you’re learning? Wondering if you’re practicing correctly? Use the Questions for the Coach feature to get direct answers and guidance right inside each lesson.
Join live monthly sessions where I answer student questions, give pronunciation tips, and offer insight to help you keep growing.
Your Clear Voice Awaits - Take the Next Step
Keep building your clarity and courage with guided, step-by-step practice inside Clear English Academy.
Join Clear English AcademyFrequently Asked Questions.
Clear English Academy is designed for intermediate to advanced English speakers who want to improve their pronunciation, speech rhythm, and speaking confidence.
Yes. Many of our students are fluent but feel held back by pronunciation, rhythm, or hesitation when speaking. If you want to feel more clear, confident, and connected when you speak, this program is for you.
Free training gives you access to foundational lessons. Membership unlocks the full training path, with interactive practice materials and advanced drills.
Yes! You can begin with free lessons to explore the method and see how it works for you. When you’re ready, you can upgrade to access the full training path, members-only practice materials, and advanced exercises.
The Clear English approach is not about “eliminating” or “fixing” your accent. We focus on clarity, connection, and natural communication. Our goal is to help you speak clearly and be understood.
Many students notice changes in just a few weeks. The training is designed to build lasting skills through consistent practice.
You can go at your own pace. Most students begin with just 15–20 minutes a few times a week. Progress builds through consistent, focused practice rather than long hours.
We recommend it! The training path is designed to be progressive, with each step building on the last. But you can also jump into any section that matches your current goals or challenges.
Clear English Academy offers both free access and a paid membership. The membership gives you full access to the training path, members-only materials, and ongoing updates.
Members-only training includes self-monitoring tools and advanced practice to help you improve independently. We’re also developing options for coaching feedback, which may be available soon.
Still have questions? We’re here to help! Just send a message to hello@clearenglishacademy.com.