4 Common confusions

Front

ه (H)

Back

Soft, breathy - Light breath from the mouth, like whispering 'ha'. No throat tension.

Front

ح (Ḥ)

Back

Strong, throaty - Deep constriction in the throat. Imagine breathing out with throat tightened.

Front

Why the confusion between ه (H) and ح (Ḥ)?

Back

Both are 'H' sounds, but ح (Ḥ) requires deep throat constriction while ه (H) is a gentle breath, like English 'h' in 'hat'.

Front

س (S)

Back

Light and sharp - Tongue tip near upper teeth. Crisp, clear 's' sound like 'sun'.

Front

ص (Ṣ)

Back

Deep and heavy - Tongue lowered and pulled back. Creates a hollow, emphatic 's' sound.

Front

Why the confusion between س (S) and ص (Ṣ)?

Back

س (S) is a light 's' like in 'sun', while ص (Ṣ) is pronounced with the tongue lowered, creating a deeper, heavier sound.

Front

ت (T)

Back

Light tap - Tongue tip lightly touches upper teeth. Quick, crisp 't' like 'tea'.

Front

ط (Ṭ)

Back

Heavy, forceful - Tongue flattened against roof of mouth. Strong, emphatic 't' sound.

Front

Why the confusion between ت (T) and ط (Ṭ)?

Back

ت (T) is a light 't' like in 'tea', while ط (Ṭ) requires tongue flattening and produces a heavier, more forceful sound.

Front

د (D)

Back

Light and quick - Tongue tip behind upper teeth. Clear 'd' like 'door'.