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Simple Finals: a, o, e, i, u, ü
The six single-vowel finals — the core vowel sounds of Mandarin.
Quick answer
These six single vowels are the building blocks of the Mandarin finals. Learn their clear, steady sounds first.
a
o
e
i
u
ü
Hear each sound, then repeat it aloud.
When to use it
Every syllable ends in a final. Master these six single vowels
before combining them.
Common mistake
ü
is not in English: round your lips as for ‘oo’ but say ‘ee’. It is a different sound from u.
Practise aloud
他 he
波 wave
河 river
米 rice
书 book
绿 green
You’ve got this!
Say each vowel on its own and hold it steady. Then notice it inside a word — for example the a in tā (he) or the ü in lǜ (green).
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