Accent guide

Reduce a Chinese accent in English

The sounds below are the ones Chinese speakers most often work on for a more neutral American accent. Hear each one, then practice words that use it.

Sounds to focus on

  • /θ/as in thin

    Voiceless 'th'. Tongue tip lightly between teeth, no voice. Don't substitute /t/ or /s/.

  • /ð/as in this

    Voiced 'th'. Tongue tip lightly between teeth, vocal cords on.

  • /ɹ/as in red

    American /r/: bunch the tongue back and slightly up. Lips rounded. Don't tap the roof.

  • /l/as in love

    Tongue tip at gum ridge. At the end of a syllable ('feel'), the tongue body also pulls back — the dark L.

  • /v/as in very

    Upper teeth on lower lip with voicing. Don't substitute /w/.

  • /w/as in we

    Round and protrude lips, glide to the next vowel.

  • /tʃ/as in church

    Stop the air at the gum ridge, then release with 'sh'.

  • /ʃ/as in ship

    Tongue blade further back than /s/, lips slightly protruded.

  • /ŋ/as in sing

    Back of the tongue blocks the airflow, voicing through the nose. Don't add a final /g/.

  • /iː/as in fleece

    Tense, smiling. Pull tongue high and front. Longer than 'ih'.

  • /ɪ/as in kit

    Short and lax. Keep the tongue lower and more relaxed than 'iy' (sheep).

Words to practice

comfortablevegetablewednesdayfebruarylibraryprobablycolonelrecipeislandmischievous

Common questions

Which English sounds are hardest for Chinese speakers?
Chinese speakers most often work on these American English sounds: /θ/, /ð/, /ɹ/, /l/, /v/, /w/.
How can I reduce my Chinese accent in English?
Focus on the specific sounds your first language doesn't use the same way. Hear each sound on this page, then record yourself for an instant score — and create a free account to track which sounds still need work.

Sound more native, faster.

Create a free account to track your Chinese-accent progress, drill your weakest sounds, and practice full sentences with instant scoring.

How to Reduce a Chinese Accent in English · Crisp Speak