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How are fricative sounds such as f, v, s, z, and th formed?

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Diagram of a human head in profile showing the location of vocal organs and possible places of articulation for speech sounds, with labels for lips, teeth, tongue, palate, uvula, pharynx, and vocal cords, and numbered regions corresponding to types of articulation such as bilabial, alveolar, and velar.
pronunciation Diagram depicting the location of human vocal organs and possible places of articulation used for speech.

A fricative is a consonant sound produced by bringing two articulators in the mouth into close approximation without making a complete closure. This partial obstruction forces the airstream through a narrow passage, creating turbulent airflow and audible friction, similar to the sound of wind whistling around a corner.12

The specific formation depends on the shape and location of the constriction:

  • Mechanism: The mouth is positioned to block the airstream partially, allowing air to escape through a narrow gap.12
  • Articulators: Fricatives can be produced at various points, including labiodental (like f and v), dental (like the th sounds), and alveolar positions.1
  • Sibilants: A subset of fricatives, such as s and z, are classified as sibilants. These are formed by bringing the tip or blade of the tongue near the roof of the mouth, forcing air past the tongue to create a characteristic hissing sound.3

Depending on the shape of the constriction, some linguists further categorize these sounds as slit or grooved fricatives.2