The Buzzy Sound Hiding in 'Measure'

Korean has sounds close to English 'sh' and 'j,' but it doesn't have the specific buzzy, in-between sound in the middle of words like 'measure,' 'vision,' 'usual,' or 'casual.' Without a matching category, Korean speakers often reach for the nearest neighbor — either a full 'j' sound, making 'measure' sound like 'meajure,' or a plain 'sh,' losing the buzz entirely. The real sound sits right between those two: same tongue position as 'sh,' but with your vocal cords vibrating the whole time, like a softer, smoother 'zh.' Try saying 'sh' and turning your voice on partway through, feeling the buzz start in your throat while your tongue stays still. Practice with 'measure,' 'pleasure,' and 'television,' exaggerating the buzz for two minutes. It's a small sound, but it shows up in surprisingly common words, and getting it right adds real smoothness to your American English.