Syllable Finals 2

bi...di...li...mi...ni...si*

For certain consonants, the "i" final has a special pronunciation. "Si" is an example.

bian...dian...lian...mian...nian

Note here that the second vowel of the diphthong is not an /a/ like above. It's actually the same vowel as in the English words "set", "met", and "bet".

diang...liang...niang

Note that the second vowel of the diphthong here IS the same as the /a/. So make sure it is open and clear.

biao...diao...liao...miao...niao

Just like in the "ao" ending, make sure you are making a nice clear /a/ sound.

bie...die...lie...mie...nie

bin...lin...min...nin

In some accents, this will actually be pronounced as a diphthong, with the second vowel being a short "i" like in the English word "bit".

bing...ding...ling...ming...ning

Same deal here with the "n" sound (noticing a pattern yet?).

diu...liu...miu...niu

This is actually a triphthong, meaning three vowels are being made here: /i/.../o/.../u/. Listen closely and make sure you are clearly hitting all three vowels. Pay special attention to the final /u/ sound, since this is the one English speakers tend to shorten.

bo...fo...mo...wo

This is the same vowel as in the English word "awe", or the word "office" with a British pronunciation. The only difference is that the lips are much more rounded, meaning you purse your lips and curl them inward, as you do for the "w" sound.

Mandarin Vowel Submission

Now that you are familiar with all the above Mandarin vowel sounds and their pinyin spellings, it's time to narrow down the few sounds that are problematic for you.

Unlike my fast recordings, be sure to leave a clear space between each syllable so that I can more easily pinpoint it on your uploaded track.
Read the chart row-by-row, from left to right, working your way down.
Title your track: Mandarin Syllable Finals Part 2 - (Your Name)

Submit Recording

Once you are comfortable with all the sounds on this page, move on to Syllable Finals Part 3.