hz

Pronounce hz as the two-letter sequence: /h/ (hadlike breath) followed by /z/ (voiced z). In many contexts you’ll pronounce it as the letter pair “aitch-zee” /ˈeɪtʃ-ziː/ when reading aloud, especially in formal settings. In strictly technical writing, speakers often simply spell it as hz, pronouncing each letter: /eɪtʃ-ziː/ or simply say “hertz” when clarity is needed. The most common spoken form in modern labs is “hertz” or the letters /h z/ depending on the audience.

Two frequent errors: (1) Merging the letters into a single syllable, which makes it sound like a word rather than two letters; pronounce as /eɪtʃ ziː/ or /ˈhɜːrts/ depending on style, but avoid /hɪz/ or /hɑːz/. (2) Devoicing the z; hz is voiced at the z sound, ensure vocalization: /h/ then /z/. To correct, practice saying the consonants separately and ensure the z has voice, not a silent or fricative blend.

Across accents, the letter names affect rhythm and vowel length. US and UK typically say “aitch-zee” with a clear long e in z; Australian similar but tempo tends to be a bit more clipped. Alternatively, some contexts treat hz as “hertz,” which is pronounced /ˈhɜːrts/ (US) or /ˈhɜːts/ (UK). The h remains aspirated; the z can sound slightly desyllabic in rapid speech. Expect minimal vowel variation in the aitch and z consonant, but overall pembroke rhythm shifts.

The difficulty lies in deciding whether to articulate two distinct letters or to adapt to a compact term like ‘hertz’ in spoken contexts. The z is voiced and requires vocal cord vibration; in rapid or technical speech, listeners expect letter-by-letter spelling. For non-native speakers, producing the aspirated /h/ with a voiceless-to-voiced transition into /z/ can feel abrupt. Balance breath, hold a slight glottal release, and ensure you voice the z clearly.

Unique to hz is the decision between spelling it or using the unit name. You might ask, “Do I say ‘aitch-zee’ or /ˈhaɪərts/?” The favored approach depends on context: in a casual setting, say the letters; in formal presentations or when introducing the unit to novices, say ‘hertz’ /hɜrts/ (US) or /həːts/ (UK). The “hz” shorthand also invites a double meaning: it’s a unit symbol as well as a string of letters, so be explicit when switching from notation to spoken numbers.