pronouncekit

WORD STUDY

How to pronounce three /θriː/

Connect /θ/ to English r in three, then finish with /iː/. Learn the tongue transition and practice a clear one-syllable word.

three

Broad IPA · general American / British

US /θriː/ · UK /θriː/

Syllables: 1

Meaning

The number 3.

After /θ/, draw the tongue back for English r without tapping the roof of your mouth. Then move into /iː/. The broad IPA uses /r/ for the English r sound; its exact shape varies by speaker.

Your practice sequence

  1. Practice the transition /θr/ slowly without inserting a vowel.
  2. Add /iː/ and keep three in one syllable.
  3. Say “three green trees”. Slow down when the two consonants become unclear.
Three green trees.

Build the sound, step by step

The /θ/ in think is a quiet, continuous stream of air. Your tongue makes a narrow passage at the front teeth. There is no burst, and your voice stays off.

Explore the /θ/ sound ↗

Updated 16 September 2026