z consonant

Core Rule

The consonant z almost always represents the voiced alveolar fricative /z/. Unlike s, which alternates between /s/ and /z/, the letter z is phonically stable and predictable.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue close to the alveolar ridge without full contact. Let air flow continuously while vibrating the vocal cords. The mouth stays slightly open; the sound can be prolonged.

Word Analysis

• zoo /zuː/: Initial z produces a clear voiced fricative.
• dozen /ˈdʌzən/: Medial z remains /z/; the final -en is a weak syllable /ən/.
• lazy /ˈleɪzi/: After a vowel, z keeps its voiced quality.

Pitfalls

• Avoid devoicing z into /s/.
• Do not substitute s for z in spelling, even when pronunciation feels similar.