EnglishPronunciation Guide: 身体

Pronunciation Breakdown:

• 
  Shēn
  
  :
• Initial: The “sh” sound is similar to the “sh” in”shoe” or “ship.”
• Vowel: “en” is pronounced as a sound similar to the “un” in “fun,” but more rounded.
• Tone: The tone mark (ˉ) indicates a high, flat tone. Think of it as a sustained high note.
• 
  tǐ
  
  :
• Initial: The “t” sound is similar to the “t” in “tea.” However, in Mandarin, it’s aspirated, meaning you should exhale a puffof air when you say it.
• Vowel: The “i” here is pronounced like the “ee” sound in “see.”
• Tone: The tone mark (ǐ) indicates a dipping tone. Start high, dip down, and then rise slightly.

Putting it Together:

Practice saying “shēn” holding the high, flat tone. Then, practice “tǐ” with the dipping tone. Finally, combine them, paying attention to the aspiration of the “t” and the tone marks. Try saying”shēn-tǐ” slowly and then gradually increase your speed.