1) I can hold these sounds for a while.
Both [z] (as in “zebra”) and [ʒ] “zh” (as in the middle of “measure”) are sounds you can hold for a while. Here, I’ll hold them for 4 seconds each. Try it with me.
[z]…[z]…[z]…[z]
[ʒ]…[ʒ]…[ʒ]…[ʒ]
2) They’re both voiced consonants.
Put your fingertips on the front of your neck, and make the [z] and [ʒ] sounds.
[z]
[ʒ]
[z]
[ʒ]
Did you feel something? ( “didjya”)
When you say [z] and [ʒ], your vocal chords vibrate for both of these “voiced” consonants.
So what’s the difference between [z] and [ʒ] “zh”?
What’s different | [z] & [ʒ]
Try to produce the [z] and [ʒ] sounds, and notice where the air is flowing through and where you feel the vibrations in your mouth and at your teeth.
[z]
[ʒ]
[z]
[ʒ]
Did you feel it?
Here’s the *key difference* between the [z] and [ʒ] sounds.
[z]
To produce [z], the air flows through your FRONT teeth, which [gently] vibrate against each other.
[z]
[ʒ]
To produce the [ʒ] “zh” sound, the air flows through your SIDE teeth and NOT primarily through your front teeth. The top and bottom teeth in the side/back of your mouth gently, but just barely, press against each other.
[ʒ]