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How to Pronounce g, k, h in Mandarin

Three sounds made at the back of the mouth.

Quick answer

g, k and h are made at the back of the mouth. g is soft, k has a puff of air, h is a light throat sound.

g
k
h

Hear each sound, then repeat it aloud.

When to use it

Feel the back of your tongue rise toward the soft part of the roof of your mouth.

Common mistake

Mandarin h is lighter than the hard English ‘k’ or a heavy throat sound — keep it gentle.

Practise aloud

gāo tall
kàn to look
hǎo good

You’ve got this!

Say the three sounds in a row and notice where they are made — all at the back of the mouth. Then try one in a word like hǎo (good).