Learn Chinese Pinyin in 21 Days – Day 4: Initials, d, t, n, l

In this Pinyin Lesson, we learn how to pronounce four initials, which are d, t, n, l. We also learn some Chinese characters that use “d, t, n, l”. In addition you can have tone drill and quiz on d, t, n, l.

Pronunciation Guide for d, t, n, l

The letters b, d, and g are really the un-aspirated versions of p, t, and k. This means that they are pronounced in the way the letters p, t, and k are pronounced after the letter s (as in spy, sty, and sky).

The following guide is given in terms of English pronunciation. They are approximate, as there are some sounds of Pinyin do not correspond directly to sounds in English.

1. d: as the t in “stay”, or d in “door”.

2. t: as t in turn, but with a stronger aspiration.

3. n: as n in “nurse”.

4. l: as l in “look”.

Example Words

Example 1: Chinese Character: 大 Pinyin: dà   English translation: big (mouth)
Example 2: Chinese Character: 兔 Pinyin: tù   English translation: rabbit
Example 3: Chinese Character: 女 Pinyin: nǚ   English translation: woman
Example 4: Chinese Character: 梨 Pinyin: lí   English translation: pear

Exercises:

Exercise 1: Tone Drill

Listen to the audio first, and then repeat.

1. dā dá dǎ dà

2. tā tá tǎ tà

3. nā ná nǎ nà

4. lā lá lǎ là