Pronunciation | /ʒ/ sound

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.

​

• "s" am Wort- und Silbenanfang:
  • She loves to soak up the warm rays of the sun on the beach.
  • He always has something interesting to say during our conversations.
  • The teacher asked the students to find a partner for the single experiment.
• "s" zwischen Vokalen:
  • The art lovers explored the exhibits at the local museum.
  • Her cheeks turned rosy when she received compliments on her artwork.
  • She wrinkled her nose at the strange smell coming from the kitchen.
• "ss":
  • The students gathered in the classroom for their first lesson.
  • The children ran barefoot through the green grass of the park.
  • She didn't want to miss the opportunity to see her favourite band perform live.
• "c" vor "e", "i" oder "y":
  • The store offered a cent discount on all items for students.
  • He dreamed of living in a busy city full of opportunities.
  • She enjoys riding her bicycle along the scenic cycle paths.
• "c" vor "a", "o", "u" oder Konsonanten:
  • The cat chased the mouse around the garden.
  • She sat on the cot (Kinderbett) and read a bedtime story to her child.
  • The baby's laugh was incredibly cute (niedlich).
• "see" und ähnliche "ee"-Endungen:
  • She loves to sit by the window and see the birds in the garden.
  • The children climbed the tree to pick ripe apples.
  • They offered a free trial of their new software for a limited time.
• "sc":
  • He studied science to understand the mysteries of the universe.
  • The actors rehearsed the final scene of the play.
  • She measured the length of the fish using a scale.