Chinese for Life - Retroflex Sound

Phonetic System > Retroflex Sound

Retroflex Sounds: round the lips and roll up the tip of the tongue to the front of the hard palat

zh*: Ex. Zhōngwén (Chinese), zhèr (here), Zhānglǎoshī (Teacher Zhang)

ch*: Ex. chá (tea), chī (eat), chídào (late)

sh**: Similar to shirt. Ex. shísì (forteen), shíjiān (time), shuōmànyīdiǎn (speak slower)

r**: As in run. Ex. ránhòu (and then), rìqí (date), ruòshì (if)

* Produce the sounds of zh and ch by placing the tip of your tongue against the front of the hard palate first, then let the airflow break through the blockage to make the sounds. However, The lips are round. Note: The sound of zh and ch are very similar, but the air making the sound of ch comes out much stronger.

** The articulation of sh and r is similar; however, place the tip of your tongue toward, not against, the front of the hard palate and form a small passage to let the airflow come out.