Category: Pronunciation

How to read: ui
[ai],[ei],[ui] are all compound finals. In each of them, the former vowel is more open, longer and louder while the latter one is narrow, short, weak and blurred. It is imperative to have a natural glide but not a sudden change from the former to the latter.

How to read: ei
Half-close your mouth and pronounce "e" first, then move your tongue to the position of pronouncing "i". It is similar to 'ei' in the English 'weigh'.

How to read: ai
Open your mouth wide and pronounce "a" first; then gradually close your mouth and move the tongue to the position of pronouncing "i". It is similar to the English 'eye'.

How to read: ü
After pronouncing "i", just make your lips round-shaped to pronounce "ü", with the tongue position unchanged. It purse your lips and position the tongue high and forwards.

How to read: u
When pronouncing "u", the tongue is in the highest position and the mouth is slightly opened. Make your lips round-shaped, draw back your tongue and make the tongue root approach the soft palate. It is similar to 'oo' in the English 'room' .

How to read: i
When pronouncing "i", the tongue is in the highest position, the mouth is slightly opened and the lips are flat-shaped. Stretch forward your tongue, put it against the back of the lower teeth and open up your lips. It is similar to 'ee' in the English 'bee'.

How to read: e
The opening of the mouth and the position of the tongue are identical with that for "o", but the lips are not rounded. It can be produced by pronouncing "O" and then spreading the lips towards the two sides. It is similar to 'er' in the English 'hers'.

How to read: o
Half-close your mouth with the tongue in a half-high position; draw back your tongue and make your lips round-shaped. It is similar to 'or' in the English 'bore'.

How to read:  a
Open your mouth wide, with your tongue in the middle in a low position; the lips are naturally opened. It is similar to 'ah' in the English 'Ah-hah!'