Tough sounds c-s-z-
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Level
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In series Tough sounds (basic)
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Referenced Initials
Not all learners struggle with them, but the "c-" and "z-" initials can be tricky for some. Practice the following words and phrases to be sure that you've got a good handle on these tough sounds.
Contents
Pronunciation Tips for c-s-z- (A2)
Revisit our page on the "c-" and "z-" initials if you need to. Some reminders from that page:
On the "c-" Initial
Pinyin's c- initial is simply a "ts" sound. It's like the "ts" you hear in the English words "cats" and "Watson" and "robots". The only thing that makes this Chinese sound challenging is that in English the "ts" always appears in the middle or at the end of words, whereas in Chinese it is an initial sound. For this reason, some learners need some time to get used to making this sound.
On the "z-" Initial
Very similar to the c- initial, the z- initial sounds very similar to an English "dz" sound (although the "d" is not voiced). It's like the "ds" you hear in the English words "kids" and "loads" and "odds". The main thing that makes this Chinese sound challenging is that in English the "dz" always appears in the middle or at the end of words, whereas in Chinese it is an initial sound. For this reason, some learners need some time to get used to making this sound.
Tough Sound Words: c-s-z- (A2)
The words in the following table are designed to give you a good pronunciation workout. Practice them on your own and practice them with your teacher.
| Audio | Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 次 | cì | time(s) [something happens] | |
| 从 | cóng | from | |
| 菜 | cài | vegetable; dish (of food) | |
| 错 | cuò | mistake, fault | |
| 聪明 | cōngming | smart, intelligent | |
| 做 | zuò | to do; to make | |
| 走 | zǒu | to walk, to leave | |
| 再 | zài | again | |
| 最 | zuì | most, -est | |
| 早 | zǎo | early |
Tough Sound Video Practice: c-s-z- (A2)
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Sources and further reading
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