Pinyin
Learn Hanyu Pinyin — Initials, Finals & Tones
Initials
21 initials (consonants) in Mandarin ChineseLabial (b, p, m)
Labiodental (f)
Alveolar (d, t, n, l)
Velar (g, k, h)
Palatal (j, q, x)
Retroflex (zh, ch, sh, r)
Dental (z, c, s)
Finals
24+ finals (vowels + nasal endings)Tones
4 tones + neutral tone in MandarinTap to hear pronunciation
Spelling Rules
Y / W Spelling Rules▼
When i, u, ü are at the start of a syllable, they become y / w
Ü Umlaut Rule▼
After j, q, x, y, ü is written as u (but still pronounced ü)
Tone Mark Placement▼
Tone mark goes on the vowel with the most mouth opening (a, o, e, then i/u)