21 Initials 声母表 |
Many Chinese words start with initials. Initials are consonants and they are divided in 6 groups according to how the sounds are pronounced.
Use this pinyin chart for a comprehensive overview of how initials combine with finals to form words. |
Unaspirated
|
Aspirated
|
Nasal
|
Fricative
(small gap of air flow) |
Voiced
(Vocal cord vibrates) |
1. Labial |
|
|
|
|
2. Alveolar |
|
|
|
|
3. Velar |
|
|
|
B P M F D T N L G K H—These are all pronounced similarly to the way English speakers pronounce them.
4. Palatal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J and Zh represent a “juh” sound. Vowels used for:
|
Q and Ch represent a “ch” sound. Vowels used for:
|
X and Sh represent a “sh” sound. Vowels used for:
|
6. Dental sibilant |
|
|
|
Z, C, S are pronounced as follows:
•Z - ds at the last part of 'adds' •C - ts at the last part of 'cats' •S - s in 'son'
Remember that an “i” following Z, C, S is pronounced like the i in its.
•Z - ds at the last part of 'adds' •C - ts at the last part of 'cats' •S - s in 'son'
Remember that an “i” following Z, C, S is pronounced like the i in its.
When i, u, or ü occur without an initial consonant, the word is spelled as beginning with y or w:
|
|