Ba 2 ZnS 3 :Pr phosphors, emitting white to green light, were synthesized by the double-crucible method. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the raw materials were completely sulfurized at 1000°C for 2 h. All samples doped with 0.05-10 mol % Pr 3+ had orthorhombic crystal structures. The emission spectra are the results of ͑i͒ host-activator transition and ͑ii͒ direct excitation of Pr 3+ ions. Obtained using 365-nm UV light, the photoluminescence spectra include emission peaks between 470 and 520, 530 and 570, and 585 and 665 nm. The maximum emission peak at 493 nm is associated with the 3 P 0 → 3 H 4 transition, and the intensity was maximal at a doping concentration of 0.2 mol %. The 1 D 2-3 H 4 transitions, like the CIE ͑Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage͒ color coordinate from the white region to the green region, are sensitive to the concentration of the dopant Pr 3+ ions. In response to excitement using 456-nm purplish blue light, the maximum emission intensity at 493 nm was maximal at a doping concentration of 2 mol %. The 1 D 2-3 H 4 emission peaks almost disappeared, and the CIE color coordinates are all in the green region.