# Mandarin Chinese: The Six Vowels

Difficulty: beginner

Mandarin has 6 main vowels: a (like 'ah'), o (like 'or' without r), e (like 'uh'), i (like 'ee'), u (like 'oo'), and ü (say 'ee' with rounded lips). The ü sound doesn't exist in English - it's the trickiest one!

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [大](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/big.md) | /dà/ | Big |
| [我](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/ime.md) | /wǒ/ | I/me |
| [喝](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/drink.md) | /hē/ | Drink |
| [你](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/you.md) | /nǐ/ | You |
| [五](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/five.md) | /wǔ/ | Five |
| [女](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/woman.md) | /nǚ/ | Woman |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "The Six Vowels" in Mandarin Chinese?

Mandarin has 6 main vowels: a (like 'ah'), o (like 'or' without r), e (like 'uh'), i (like 'ee'), u (like 'oo'), and ü (say 'ee' with rounded lips). The ü sound doesn't exist in English - it's the tri...

### Is this grammar topic for beginners?

This topic is at the beginner level. It is a great starting point for new learners.

## Related Grammar Topics

- [The Four Tones](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-four-tones.md) (beginner)
- [Tongue Placement for J/Q/X vs ZH/CH/SH/R](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/tongue-placement-for-jqx-vs-zhchshr.md) (beginner)
- [Third Tone Sandhi](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/third-tone-sandhi.md) (beginner)

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