Guide to Learn Pinyin Pronunciation + Chinese Pinyin Chart PDF

Unlike English, Chinese words aren’t pronounced according to the characters included in the word. A specific system or tool is used to learn the pronunciation of the Pinyin syllables, which is called Pinyin. If you are unaware of this tool, you should read this blog about Chinese pronunciation. It will surely help you learn about the tool and understand the ways to use it for a better understanding of the Chinese language. 

In this guide, WuKong Chinese will teach you how to learn the Chinese sounds and provide you with the Mandarin pronunciation chart PDF. Let’s dive into it!

Part 1: About Pinyin and Its Pronunciation

It is the official system that was first launched in the 1950s for a better understanding of the pronunciation of the Chinese Mandarin version (Hanyu Pinyin). This system is considered the most suitable and is commonly used to learn the language with proficiency.

Pinyin pronunciation is considered the most effective one for pronouncing different Pinyin letters. It is right to say that this system is acknowledged officially for learning the Chinese language. The main reason for excessive use of this system is its ease of use and follow-up.

One can learn this system just like learning the Latin alphabet because of their familiarity with it. Some people say that pinyin pronunciation enables them to write the Chinese words in Latin alphabets and follow them easily to learn how to pronounce that specific word.

Get a free Pinyin spelling lesson now, and get a free Chinese Pinyin chart pdf after the lesson.

Hanyu Pinyin Workbook: Chinese Alphabet Poster

Hanyu Pinyin Workbook: Practice Copybook of Chinese Consonants and Vowels

Hanyu Pinyin Workbook: Chinese Tones and Pronunciation

Hanyu Pinyin Workbook: Read Pinyin to Write Chinese Characters

Part 2. Components of Pinyin System and Application

In the Chinese language, a pinyin is also called a syllable, which is also composed of two main components. In addition to those components, a specific term called “tone” is also considered part of the pinyin. Here, we have listed them with a brief introduction to let you learn about the phonetic system.

Initials

This consonant is written at the beginning of the pinyin. They are normally written as simple English alphabets with no other involvement. However, the Pinyin initials won’t be like those of general English characters. You have to pay attention to the sounds that belong to every initial.

Finals

Normally, the finals of a pinyin belong to the vowels, which means they are written like English novel characters and alphabets. Like initials, they also have a distinct and unique sound when it comes to the pinyin pronunciation of that specific Chinese character.

Tone

Another major consonant in Chinese pronunciation is tone, which actually determines the pronunciation of the word. This factor decides what the pitch of the sound will be while pronouncing it. There are four major tone marks in Chinese literature, one of which must be followed while following the pinyin pronunciation.

Representation of all Chinese tones

• High and flat

It is also called the first tone of pinyin pronunciation. While following this tone, your sound will be higher than normal, and the pitch will remain flat.

• Rising

In the rising tone, you have to pronounce the word by gradually raising your voice. It is normally used when someone is asking a question. In Chinese literature, it is also called the second tone.

• Falling and Rising

It is the combination of two tones in which the speaker first has to lower their voice and then raise it slowly to follow the Mandarin pronunciation. Many speakers make mistakes while following this because they have to keep their voices low before raising them.

• Falling

The fourth tone in pronunciation is called the falling tone. To speak some words in this language, you have to take your voice down and keep it lower. Be mindful that the duration of this tone will be the shortest as compared to the other three tones. 

• Neutral (exceptional tone)

Another tone that isn’t considered part of the literature is called a neutral tone. It is also called the fifth tone, in which the speaker doesn’t have to change the pitch of the sound. The words should be spoken in a neutral tone.

Part 3: How to Improve Your Chinese Pronunciation to the Next Level

In the above section, you must have comprehensive information about the pronunciation of Pinyin. We have discussed the major components of pinyin for your better understanding. In this section, we will help you learn some tips that can help you understand this system and take your language learning to the next level.

Learn to Use Mandarin Chinese Pinyin Chart

One of the best ways to learn Chinese pinyin pronunciation is through pinyin charts. You can find hundreds of interactive pinyin charts that will pronounce the consonant when you click on them. This type of interactive chart can help you understand the sounds of hundreds of Chinese characters by hearing them.

Pinyin interactive chart

Normally, in such a chart, you will find the sounds of almost all common Chinese characters. It is right to say that you will be able to follow Mandarin pronunciation for the most common characters used in the literature.

Download and use Pinyin apps.

Another effective way to learn pronunciation of pinyin syllable to follow it for pronouncing Chinese characters is through dictionary applications. You can download them on your mobile device and use them regularly to hear and speak a specific pinyin character for effective learning.

You can also download Pinyin apps that support Chinese keyboards for memorizing and using those characters in different tasks. Moreover, the combination of such apps will help you start the Chinese learning and the writing pattern of the Chinese characters.

Join a Course: WuKong Chinese Course

If you are looking to be proficient in the pronunciation of Mandarin or overall Chinese language, you should join a course like WuKong Chinese Course. This course is conducted by native trainers who know the language deeply.

Wukong Chinese Course Homepage

The course (video lessons) is made for students ranging from 3 years to 18 years old, which means that you can enroll your kids in this course to let them learn about the language from scratch. Moreover, the small group classes with interactive presentations make learning simple. To engage the students, multiple fun activities are included in the classes by the instructor.

Course Details

Time availability: flexible (24 hours)

Free trial: Yes

Suitable for: 3–18-year-old students

Pricing: Starts at US$349

Specifications of the WuKong Chinese Course

Native Speakers: The course is organized by native Chinese speakers and trainers who know about the language deeply.

Interactive Classes: All its classes are conducted interactively to help every student be active while learning the language.

Student-Centric Classrooms: To engage the students, all classrooms are organized in a student-centric manner to help them be confident while learning.

Focus on Comprehensive Learning: This course doesn’t focus on traditional learning but focuses on various sections to engage the students and provide them with comprehensive learning.

Part 4. FAQs

Can You Pronounce Pinyin as If It Were English Language?

Reading pinyin as it were in English can create problems because it may change the pronunciation. That is why you should learn pinyin pronunciation and make sure to follow it exactly for the right interpretation.

Is Mandarin the same as Pinyin?

Mandarin is the oldest version of the Chinese language, while Pinyin is a system to convert this version to Latin alphabets for proper pronunciation. Hanyu Pinyin is the official system to transcribe Mandarin Chinese sounds into a Latin alphabet. It was invented in 1950s, and adopted as a standard in mainland China in 1958.

Part 5. Summary

With this comprehensive blog about pinyin pronunciation, we hope you have learned a lot about this system. We have explained its components to give you a better idea of how pinyin is written. Moreover, we suggest you join the WuKong Chinese Course for smooth and effective learning of the language. You can learn a lot from this course and have a deep understanding of the right pronunciation of Chinese words.