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

One of the letters that a novice finds in learning Arabic from non-native speakers, is the difference between the letter س (sīn/seen) and the letter ص (ṣād/saad) in Arabic; That is why in this article we will try to help you easily tell the difference between them.

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  (seen) is dual joining. That means that it wants to connect to both right and left. 

If there is a letter before, that also is dual joining, then letter س  (seen) will connect with it. If there is a letter after, then letter س  (seen) 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.

It’s good for you if you pronounce the letters properly, therefore, if you want to sound like a native Arabic speaker and not like a beginner, you lave to pronounce these letters properly.

Pronunciation Examples: