Learning Initial "j" in Pinyin

Some Chinese consonants are rather similar to English consonants, but it's important to hear the differences and get all details as accurate as possible!



How to read: j
This is an unaspirated voiceless palatal affricate. This sound is pronounced by first putting the tip of the tongue against the lower teeth and blocking the air with its front part against the hard palate, and the dropping to release the air. The vocal cords do not vibrate. It is similar to 'j' in the English 'jeep' - tongue is positioned below lower teeth.


Phrases:
飞机fēi jī：plane
介绍jiè shào：to introduce