How to Pronounce zh, ch, sh, r in Mandarin
Approach these common Mandarin sounds with one consistent tongue position and clear airflow.
Quick answer
Curl the tongue tip slightly back toward the roof of the mouth. Keep the movement small and relaxed.
Hear each sound, then repeat it aloud.
When to use it
Compare them with z, c, s: for zh, ch, sh the tongue tip lifts slightly back
; for z, c, s it stays flat behind the teeth. 是 shì and 四 sì are the pair to practise.
Common mistake
In zhi, chi, shi and ri the i is not ‘ee’
. Keep the tongue where the consonant was and let the voice buzz: 是 is shì, not ‘shee’.
Practise aloud
You’ve got this!
Keep the curl small and the jaw relaxed; too much curl makes the sound heavy. Record yourself saying 是 and 四 one after the other, then listen: you should hear two different sounds.
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