Consonants : an initial part (the Sheng Mu”) Lesson 1 lips’ sounds: b, p, m, and f

 

Lesson 1    lips’ sounds: b, p, m, and f

 

All these sounds are related to lips. When they are pronounced, breath must break through the lips.

 

Chinese Pinyin

Consonant

Description

Similar English Sound

For Reference

 

 

b

It is voiced

 

 

p

 

it is voiceless

Mouth:

It closes with the breath breaking through the lips

Tongue:

It leaves from the teeth.

Lips:

They are slightly closed first and then open.

Similar to “p” in spin

( unaspirated )

 

 

 

 

 Similar to p in pea.

 

Chinese Pinyin

Consonant

Description

Similar English Sound

For Reference

 

 

m

 

It is voiced

Mouth:

It closes tightly and the air flows from nasal cavity.

Tongue:

It leaves the teeth

Lips:

They are tightly closed.

Similar to m in meet.

 

Chinese Pinyin

Consonant

Description

Similar English Sound

For Reference

 

 

f

 

It is voiceless.

Mouth:

 It is closed

Tongue:

The air squeezes out between teeth.

Lips:

The upper teeth touch the lower lip.

Similar to f in fee.