Zee vs Zed: Understanding the Difference

Zee vs Zed

There are two ways to say the last letter of the alphabet: “zee” and “zed.” Let’s learn about these words and how to use them.

History

“Zee” is used in American English. “Zed” is used in British English and other places like Canada and Australia. The difference began a long time ago when people in different countries chose their own way to say the letter.

How to Use Them

In the USA, people say “zee.” In other English-speaking countries, people say “zed.” Both are correct; it just depends on where you are.

Trick to Remember

To remember the difference, think of the countries. USA starts with “U” and has a “Z” sound, like “zee.” UK starts with “U” and has a “D” sound at the end, like “zed.”

Examples with “Zee”

• The last letter of the alphabet is zee.
• Zebra starts with zee.
• In the USA, we say zee.
• The teacher taught us to say zee.
• Can you spell it with a zee?

Examples with “Zed”

• The last letter of the alphabet is zed.
• Zebra starts with zed.
• In the UK, we say zed.
• The teacher taught us to say zed.
• Can you spell it with a zed?

Summary

“Zee” is for American English and “zed” is for British English. They mean the same thing but are used in different places. Remember the trick: “U.S.A. sounds like zee, U.K. sounds like zed.”