dz / dž

The Sounds Dz and Dž

Level 1

dz sounds like the ds in "kids", and dž like the j in "jam". Each is one sound, even at the start of a word: dziesma (song), džemperis (sweater).

How It Works

dz is the sound of the ds in "kids", but Latvian also uses it at the start of a word: dzert (to drink), dziesma (song), dzīvot (to live), dzeltens (yellow).

dž is the j of "jam". It appears mostly in loanwords: džemperis (sweater), džungļi (jungle), džezs (jazz), džinsi (jeans). It also shows up in Latvian words when an ending changes dz to dž: pusaudzis (teenager) becomes pusaudži (teenagers). See consonant changes.

Say each one as a single sound. Dziesma has two syllables, dzies-ma, and the dz belongs wholly to the first one. When a word is split at the end of a line, dz and dž always stay together.

Remember that Latvian j is the "y" of "yes": jā (yes), jauns (new). The English "j" sound is always written dž.

Because they are not separate letters, words with dz and dž are listed under d in a dictionary.

Examples (5)

  1. Es dzeru tēju.

    I'm drinking tea.

    Word by Word: I drink tea.

    Dzeru is a form of dzert. Say dz as one sound.

  2. Man patīk šī dziesma.

    I like this song.

    Word by Word: To-me pleases this song.

    Dziesma splits as dzies-ma, with dz kept together.

  3. Es dzīvoju Liepājā.

    I live in Liepāja.

    Word by Word: I live in-Liepāja.

  4. Man ir silts džemperis.

    I have a warm sweater.

    Word by Word: To-me is warm sweater.

    Džemperis is a loanword. The English j sound is written dž.

  5. Tētis spēlē džezu.

    Dad plays jazz.

    Word by Word: Dad plays jazz.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing j for the English j sound.

    Man ir silts jemperis.
    Man ir silts džemperis.

    Latvian j is the y in yes. The sound at the start of English jam is written dž.

  • Dropping the d from dz.

    Es zeru tēju.
    Es dzeru tēju.

    Dz is its own sound. Without the d, zeru is not a form of dzert, to drink.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

dz / džLevel 1The Sounds Dz and Dž

Learn This First

The letters d, z and ž combine as dz and dž, each representing one sound.