Chinese Pinyin Initials: zh ch sh r
This Pinyin video lesson covers our last group of Chinese Pinyin Initials zh ch sh r. They are probably the most difficult group for non-native speakers. But don’t worry, we’ll provide effective tips and practice drills on how to pronounce Pinyin consonants zh ch sh r. And also don’t forget to finish the 2 listening quizzes to test your skills!
LESSON INFO
KEYWORDS
- Chinese Pinyin Initials
- zh
- ch
- sh
- r
LESSON NOTES
Chinese Pinyin Initials: zh ch sh r
Initials zh ch sh r are called “Curled Tongue Initials”, in English “Retroflexes”. This means to pronounce them you need to curl your tongue backwards. They are usually compared against another group of Initials: z c s, which are called “Flat Tongue Initials”.
| z
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c
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s
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| zh
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ch
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sh
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r
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QuizzesStatus
The explanation of “r” as simply a voiced “sh” is so very right and meaningful. I have been struggling with this consonant for some time checking various sites for explanations and recordings, and finally you made it completely clear for me!!!
Thank you for the comment! We’re really glad the tips have worked!
The ‘r’ is by far the hardest sound I think. It’s the only one I struggle with. I’ve heard in other places that it helps to pronounce it like the French “j” (e.g., déjà vu) but that still doesn’t sound quite like a native speaker.