声母Initials — Part 2
The ten trickiest initials in Mandarin — where English speakers usually stumble. This is a listening-first guide to j · q · x · zh · ch · sh · r · z · c · s — grouped by tongue position, with the aspiration and lip-shape details that separate near-identical sounds.
Mastering the 10 initials
Grouped by tongue position — flat-tongue palatals, curled-tongue retroflexes, and flat dental sibilants. Tap any letter to jump straight to it.
j · q · x
flat tongue against the hard palate — no real English equivalent
Like the “j” in “jeep.”
- Raise the flat center of your tongue toward the roof of the mouth.
- Rest the tip of your tongue against the back of your lower teeth.
Stuck? Try the “ch” in “cheese” — but let zero air escape.
Similar to the “ch” in “cheese.”
Same tongue position as “j” — just push the air out strongly.
No real equivalent in English.
- Spread your lips into a slight smile.
- Raise the flat center of your tongue until it nearly touches the hard palate.
zh · ch · sh · r
tongue curled back toward the hard palate — retroflex
Similar to the “j” in “jerk.”
- Curl the tip of your tongue up to lightly touch the hard palate.
- Relax it and let the air hiss through the channel that forms.
Similar to the “ch” in “chip.”
Same position as “zh” — just add a strong puff of air.
Similar to the “sh” in “shirt.”
- Curl the tongue tip up close to — but not touching — the hard palate.
- Squeeze the air out through the gap.
Similar to the “r” in “red.”
Same position as “sh” — just flatten your lips instead of rounding them.
z · c · s
tongue against the back of the upper teeth — dental sibilants
Similar to the “ds” in “goods.”
- Touch your tongue to the back of your upper teeth.
- Relax it and let the air hiss through.
Similar to the “ts” in “seats.”
Same position as “z” — just add a strong puff of air.
Similar to the English “s.”
Bring your tongue almost — but not quite — to the back of your upper teeth.
Listening check — 9 questions
Every clip is the site’s own recording. Press play, then pick what you heard — no text hints. The last three test your ear for the family a string of examples belongs to.
