Level 2 Hmm...Interesting
Let's begin this part with the special rule for these three initials.
We call these three initials "transformers", because they transform the final "ü" to "u". However, the pronunciation of "ü" doesn't change. Some learners memorize this rule by imaging that "j q x" are the villains who take ü's eyes out, so "ü" becomes "u". It doesn't sound very nice, but sometimes being imaginative helps with retention.
Maybe you can come up with something better to remember this rule.
RECAP: When you see ju, you need to know that it's actually jü. It's just that the "eyes" are gone.
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Step 1
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Think about what these 3 letters might sound like in Mandarin.
What do they sound like in English? Try to think of some English words containing these letters and examine what sounds they make in these words. For example, what's the pronunciation of "q" in "quit"?
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Take out your notes and watch the video lesson below. Follow the video to practice pronunciation until you are comfortable and confident.
For many English speakers, these three sounds sound the same. If you are confused, check this video out (from 2:16 to 3:22): Extra source
This one also explains the pronunciation drill pretty well.
If you are still a bit confused, search "j q x in pinyin" on your own. There are tons of video tutorials out there (YouTube is a great source). Different teachers explain things in different ways. Believe that there will be one that makes more sense to you than others.
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Step 2
Step 3
Practice pronouncing syllables starting with jqx with the help of the online voiced pinyin chart at : https://chinese.yabla.com/chinese-pinyin-chart.php
Tips: Find the 3 initials on the left side of the chart. Click on the corresponding syllables to hear the pronunciation. Always try pronouncing it yourself first before you click to hear the result.
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Above is a screen shot of the pinyin chart. Click "on click : Show tone menu" to switch to "play 1st tone" since we haven't gone over tones. But you are welcome to explore the tones on that chart to get ahead.