Pinyin basics

labials

b p m f

Like English, unaspirated vs aspirated

dentals

d t n l

t is aspirated; d is not

velars

g k h

g is soft — closer to a plain "k" without puff

palatals

j q x

Only before i/ü sounds — q is "ch"-like

retroflex

zh ch sh r

Tongue tip curled back

dental sibilants

z c s

c is like "ts" with a puff of air

finals

a o e i u

These vowels carry the tone mark

ü

ü

Round lips like "ee" — written as u after j q x