Initials Ⅲ-2

Compared to zh, ch, sh, the sound z, c, s are pronounced slightly further forward in your mouth These require coordination between the tongue tip and the inside of the upper teeth.

s, sounds like “s” in the English word “student”. For example, sǎn — umbrella.
z, the tip of your tongue should initially touch the inside of the upper teeth. It almost sounds like when you are electrocuted by something. For example, zǒu — to go or to walk.
c, the airflow is stronger than z and the mouth shape is the same as when you say z. For example, cài — vegetables.

Words for practicing:

• sān — three，zānɡ — dirty，sè — color，sīchóu — silk
• sī, is the same as zhī as we learned before. -i is a special final used after z, c, s. You also just read the initial and the tone.

We have now learned all the initials in Chinese Pinyin. Some of them are quite easy and there may be sounds similarly pronounced in your language, but some are not so similar and may be difficult for you. How do you feel? Which are the most difficult initials for you? Give us some comments!