What is the difference between س {sīn} and ص {ṣād} in Arabic?

A common challenge for non-native Arabic learners is distinguishing between the letters س (sīn/seen) and ص (ṣād/saad). Therefore, this article aims to help you easily identify the س and ص difference.

The common difference between the letter س (sīn/seen) and the letter ص (saad/ṣād) in Arabic:

• The letter ص is just the heavier, thicker version of the س.
• The letter ص is pronounced like [s] in sun, but make the [s] sound itself heavier.
• The letter س is pronounced just like the English [s] sound.
• When you pronounce the ص you position your lips differently like you’re about to pronounce [o], while to pronounce س it looks like you’re smiling. 
• The place where the ص comes out is back in the throat.
• Remember that hard sounds in Arabic change the vowel after them, so the vowels themselves would be harder. That’s why the English word sun is pronounced close to the ص even though it’s a normal [s] sound.

How letter س (sīn/seen) is pronounced?

The Arabic letter س (seen) is pronounced s like in English. In the phonetic alphabet, the pronunciation of س (seen) is written [s].

More information about letter س  (sīn/seen)

The letter س  (seen) has four shapes: isolated, initial, medial, and final. Which of the shapes to use depends on the letter’s position in the word and surrounding letters. Do not forget that Arabic is written from right to left.

The letter س (sīn) is dual-joining, meaning it connects to letters on both its right and left. If an adjacent letter is also dual-joining, س (sīn) will connect with it. 

How is the letter ( ص sad/ṣād ) pronounced?

There are two s letters in Arabic; a normal s and this emphatic s. 

• When you pronounce this S, your tongue should touch your teeth to get a correct pronunciation of letter ص.
• The letter ( ص ṣād) is one of the letters that gives the Arabic language its character. 
• The letter ( ص ṣād) pronounce like letter s in the word sun.

More information about letter ( ص sad/ṣād):

The letter ( ص Sad ) has four shapes: isolated, initial, medial, and final. Which of the shapes to use depends on the letter’s position in the word and surrounding letters. Do not forget that Arabic is written from right to left.

Proper pronunciation of these letters is crucial. Indeed, if you aspire to sound like a native Arabic speaker rather than a beginner, mastering their distinct sounds is essential.

Pronunciation Examples: