3. The Initial Pair z and c

Cantonese Sound	Aspiration	IPA	Similar English Sound
Initial z	Unaspirated	[ts]	j as in jump Note that the initial z and the j sound in jump are not identical. When we say the j sound in jump, we round our lips. However, when we say the initial z, we don’t round our lips.
Initial c	Aspirated 💨	[tsʰ]	t + s as in cats The initial c is similar to the ending sound of a word ending with t and the plural s.

The Initial z

Step 1 Listen to the initial z.

Step 2 Listen and repeat.

Blade of tongue: The flat part just behind your tongue tip
Alveolar ridge: The small ridge just behind your upper front teeth

Step 1 Listen to the initial c.

Step 2 Listen and repeat.

Blade of tongue: The flat part just behind your tongue tip

Alveolar ridge: The small ridge just behind your upper front teeth

Practice Practice saying the initials z and c with different finals. Listen and repeat.