curriculum/challenges/english/blocks/zh-a1-learn-initials/6e3678f2c64364d81b9b8578.md
The initial k is pronounced with the back of the tongue against the soft palate, just similar to g. But unlike g, k is aspirated. When you release it, there is a strong puff of air.
Try saying k and feel a strong puff of air hit your hand if you hold it in front of your mouth. Then, try the same with g and you should feel almost no air.
When k combines with the finals a, e, and u, you get the syllables: ka, ke, and ku.
Let's practice pronouncing these syllables, and then use ke in different tones as an example.
| Pinyin | Character |
|---|---|
kē | 稞 |
ké | 咳 |
kě | 可 |
kè | 刻 |
I've listened to the audio and practiced pronouncing the initial and syllables.
{
"setup": {
"background": "company3-reception.png",
"characters": [
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"position": {
"x": 50,
"y": 15,
"z": 1.4
},
"opacity": 0
}
],
"audio": {
"filename": "ZH_A1_pinyin_initials.mp3",
"startTime": 1,
"startTimestamp": 410.22,
"finishTimestamp": 427.86
}
},
"commands": [
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"opacity": 1,
"startTime": 0
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 1,
"finishTime": 1.52,
"dialogue": {
"text": "k",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 2.72,
"finishTime": 3.32,
"dialogue": {
"text": "ka",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 4.66,
"finishTime": 5.34,
"dialogue": {
"text": "ke",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 7.06,
"finishTime": 7.75,
"dialogue": {
"text": "ku",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 9.42,
"finishTime": 10.32,
"dialogue": {
"text": "kē",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 12.43,
"finishTime": 13.37,
"dialogue": {
"text": "ké",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 14.93,
"finishTime": 15.94,
"dialogue": {
"text": "kě",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"startTime": 17.63,
"finishTime": 18.24,
"dialogue": {
"text": "kè",
"align": "center"
}
},
{
"character": "Wang Hua",
"opacity": 0,
"startTime": 18.74
}
]
}