In Chinese, initials always consist of consonants. Table 1-2 lists the initials you encounter in the Chinese language.
Listen to these sounds on the CD as you practice pronouncing initials.
Table 1-2 Chinese Initials Chinese Letter Sound English Example b baw bore p paw paw m maw more f faw four d duh done t tuh ton n nuh null l luh lull g guh gull k kuh come h huh hunt j gee gee q chee cheat x she she z dzuh “ds” in suds c tsuh “ts” in huts s suh sun Chinese Letter Sound English Example zh jir germ ch chir churn sh shir shirt r ir “er” in bigger w wuh won y yuh yup
The initials –n and -r in Table 1-2 can also appear as finals, so don’t be surprised if you see them there.
