Sunday, 5 January 2014

Difficult Mandarin Sounds





Difficult Sounds

Mandarin is the official language of China and Taiwan. When you listen to Mandarin, you'll hear that there are some sounds that seem unusual and strange to English-speakers. Just be calm and carry on.  The following information will help you to help you to get through them.
 


Sound


Example


Explanation


c

 


cí / word

 


Like ts in Cats.

 


h

 


hěn   very


Like Lock Ness


j


ji/ chicken


Like “dge” in judge.

 


q

 


qī / seven


(Sounds a bit like 'ch' in 'cheek'. You have to put the tip of your tongue behind your bottom teeth and really push the sound out hard.)


r


rén /Person


Similar to the English ‘r’ but the tip of the tongue is turned up and touches the roof of the mouth.


x


xī / 西 - west


This sounds like 'sh' in 'she'.


zh

 


zhī /

 - (a measure word)


Try making a sound that's a cross between 'j' in 'joke' and 'dr' in 'draw'.)


z

 


zĭ / - child

 


Almost exactly the same as C but stronger, almost like a hiss.)

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