声母Initials — Part 1
Every Mandarin syllable opens with a consonant, and the trick isn’t voicing — it’s breath. This is a listening-first guide to the first 11 initials: b · p · m · f · d · t · n · l · g · k · h — grouped by where your mouth makes them, and whether air comes out.
Mastering the 11 initials
Grouped by where they’re made in the mouth — lips, tongue-tip, tongue-back. Tap any letter to jump straight to it.
b · p · m · f
lips and teeth — bilabial & labiodental
Like the “p” in “speak.”
Like the “p” in “pull.”
Like the “m” in “moon.”
Like the “f” in “further.”
d · t · n · l
tongue-tip against the gum ridge — alveolar
Like the “t” in “stone.”
Like the “t” in “tall.”
Like the “n” in “now.”
Like the “l” in “loud.”
g · k · h
tongue-back against the soft palate — velar
Like the “k” in “sky.”
Like the “c” in “curse.”
Like the “h” in “hurt.”
Listening check — 9 questions
Every clip is the site’s own recording. Press play, then pick what you heard — no text hints. The last four test your ear for the aspirated / unaspirated pairs.
