声母 (shēngmǔ): "J Q X" and "Zh Ch Sh"

| Chinese Sound | Similar to | Important Notes |
|--------------|----------------------------------|-----------------|
| j | "ge" in "regime" | Tongue position closer to "ee" sound. Keep tongue raised near front of mouth |
| q | Same as 'j' but with blocked air release | Like 'j' but aspirated (extra puff of air when released) |
| x | "sh" with tongue in "ee" position | Tongue raised and forward against roof of mouth, like "ee" position |
| zhi | "jr" sound with curled tongue | Tongue curls back (retroflex). Keep tip pointed up and back |
| chi | "chr" with curled tongue | Retroflex position, stronger aspiration than "zhi" |
| shi | "shr" with curled tongue | Retroflex position, but with friction rather than aspiration |.