Confusion about pronunciation of 'Z'

Question

I thought 'Z' was meant to make a 'th' sound in spanish...yet on here on the audio examples its seems to make a 'S' or a 'Z' sound, for example with desplazar, fuerza etc..is there a right or a wrong way to say pronounce it?

Answer 1

The "th" sound is only in many parts of Spain. Everywhere else it sounds like an S. Both pronunciations are correct... in their regions.

Answer 2

I had a startling experience while carefully pronouncing "feliz" with a theta for the z --- it sounded remarkably like "feleess". I think this happens when the tongue is pulled inward during the sound. I think it takes practice to get it right.

Only in Spain will they pronounce it that way. - Agora, May 11, 2011

Answer 3

Thank you! that makes a lot more sense now

Answer 4

Spanish pronunciation