# Mandarin Chinese: Tongue Placement for J/Q/X vs ZH/CH/SH/R

Difficulty: beginner

These sounds are grouped by tongue position. For J, Q, and X, press your tongue tip behind your LOWER teeth. For ZH, CH, SH, and R, curl your tongue BACK towards the roof of your mouth. Try it: 'ji' (tongue down) vs. 'zhi' (tongue back).

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [几](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/how-many.md) | /jǐ/ | How many |
| [去](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/go.md) | /qù/ | Go |
| [谢](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/thank.md) | /xiè/ | Thank |
| [吃](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/eat.md) | /chī/ | Eat |
| [是](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/isamare.md) | /shì/ | Is/Am/Are |
| [人](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/person.md) | /rén/ | Person |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "Tongue Placement for J/Q/X vs ZH/CH/SH/R" in Mandarin Chinese?

These sounds are grouped by tongue position. For J, Q, and X, press your tongue tip behind your LOWER teeth. For ZH, CH, SH, and R, curl your tongue BACK towards the roof of your mouth. Try it: 'ji' (...

### 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 Six Vowels](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-six-vowels.md) (beginner)
- [Third Tone Sandhi](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/third-tone-sandhi.md) (beginner)
- [The Four Tones](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-four-tones.md) (beginner)

---

*Orphi — Speak Your Way to Fluency. [Browse all languages](https://useorphi.com/learn.md) · [View on the web](https://useorphi.com).*