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Initials
In Hanyu, b, p, d, t, g, k, f, h, s, m, n, l, y, w are
pronounced
pretty close to those in English. However, please note the following:
Aspirated:
There is a release of a strong stream of air
Not aspirated:
No release of a strong stream of air
Voiced:There
is vocal cords vibration
Voiceless:
No vocal cords vibration
For English-speaking learners, some more attention is needed
for the following initials:
| j | similar to je, jea, jee | as in Jesus, jeer,jean, jeep |
| q | similar to che, chee | as in cheer , cheek, cheese |
| x | somewhat similar to she, shee | as in she, sheep, sheet |
| z | similar to ds | as in beds, beads |
| c | similar to ts | as in cheats, meets |
| zh | similar to dr | as in drive, dream, but the tip of the tongue curled up a bit |
| ch | similar to ch | as in church, match, but with the tip of the tongue curled up a bit |
| sh | similar to sh | as in English, wish but with the tip of the tongue curled up a bit |
| r | similar to r | with the tip of the tongue curled up a bit more |
Click here if you need a more accurate, detailed pronunciation guide of initials ( 7 pages).
