Pronunciation Question - 'c' and 'z'

Question

Hi,

In the spanish video lessons on this site, the 'c' and 'z' sounds are pronounced like the english 'c' or 's' sounds. But I always thought that these were pronounced like the english 'th'. Is there a regional difference in pronunciation? If so, which areas use which pronunciation?

Thanks! :o)

Answer 1

In Spain, except in the south and the Canary Islands, the "z" (plus "ce" and "ci") is pronounced like "th" in "thanks", while the "se" is just an "s". In those other places mentioned plus Latin America, both of them sound like "s". In Europe, you'll probably learn the "th" variety, whereas in America you'll learn the "s" variety.

Thanks! I had it very backwards. So it's "th"anahoria" I'll never get used to that! - rabbitwho, Apr 2, 2011

It's very easy to get used to in Spain or anywhere else if you have daily contact with Spaniards - 005faa61, Apr 2, 2011

Thankyou! This clears things up for me! - Mimi_88, Apr 2, 2011

Answer 2

Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not sure about this:

some parts of Spain use the "th" sound for c/s but the s sound for z.

While the rest of the world uses the s sound for c s and z.

When "th" is used, it is for C (when used as K, such as "casa") and Z (la ce y la zeta). S is always S anywhere - 005faa61, Apr 2, 2011