ZnS:Mn yellow phosphors doped with Cu for white light emitting diodes were synthesized by solid state reaction method. The optical properties and structures of ZnS:Mn,Cu phosphors were investigated by x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and scanning electro microscopy. Photoluminescence excitation spectra originated from $Mn^{2+}$ were ranged from 450 nm to 500 nm. The yellow emission at around 580 nm was associated with $^4T_1{ ightarrow}^6A_1$ transition of $Mn^{2+}$ ions in ZnS:Mn,Cu phosphors. The highest photoluminescence intensity of the phosphors under 405 nm excitation was obtained at Cu concentration of 0.02 mol%. The enhanced photoluminescent intensity in the ZnS:Mn,Cu phosphors was interpreted by energy transfer from Cu to Mn.