sion sound

Core Rule

The -sion ending usually forms nouns and is pronounced /ʃən/ or /ʒən/. When s follows a stressed syllable and precedes io, it undergoes palatalization, shifting from /s/ or /z/ to a softer fricative sound.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue just behind the alveolar ridge, slightly raised. Lips are gently rounded. Air flows smoothly with no stop, ending in a reduced /ən/.

Word Analysis

• mansion /ˈmænʃən/: classic -sion → /ʃən/.
• hesitate: no -sion; s remains /z/, showing contrast.
• muse: s = /z/, proving that s+i alone doesn’t trigger /ʃ/.

Pitfalls

Don’t confuse -sion with -tion or -cian; stress placement determines the sound.