Which is a fricative consonant?

• A. Plosive consonant
• B. Fricative consonant
• C. Nasal consonant
• D. Approximant consonant

Answer: (B)

A fricative consonant is produced with a narrow constriction through which air squeezes, creating turbulence that generates continuous frication noise. That sustained hiss or buzz is the hallmark of fricatives, and it happens as long as the narrow gap remains, not just at a moment of release.

This distinguishes fricatives from other consonant types. Plosives involve a complete closure that momentarily stops air, followed by a sudden release burst. Nasals have the oral passage closed and air escapes through the nose, producing a nasal resonance rather than turbulent frication. Approximants have a relatively open vocal tract with smooth airflow and no significant turbulence, so they sound more vowel-like.