<p>In standard Mandarin, the pinyin h is pronounced as [x] in IPA, like ch in Scottish English loch -- yes, you're right that there's a tiny g, because [x] is a velar consonant. However, in south China, many simply say [h], although some natural assimilation may happen. For instance, for those speakers, pinyin <em>ha</em> is [ha] while pinyin <em>he</em> becomes [xɤ] (if you get [ɤ] right, then [hɤ] simply doesn't work, you would do [xɤ] unconsciously). Therefore [h] and [x] are allophones in this sense, so don't worry about your pronunciation.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T00:32:23.507Z
Hi! Would you say the [x] or [h] pronunciation is more common in standard Mandarin? Or is it either/or?
Lou
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T01:05:53.613Z
[x] is more common in northern China and it is the standard pronunciation. As I explained, in south China, it is common to switch between [h] and [x] depending on the following vowel.
user58955
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-23T09:56:29.847Z
2014-06-23T16:14:52.740Z
2014-06-23T16:14:52.740Z
user58955
<p>I notice that the pinyin &quot;h&quot; is in many books just the same as in English.</p>
<p>But when I listen to people, some people stress the &quot;h&quot; and there is a tiny gggg, and some gurgling sometimes (hope this is the right word, my native tongue is not English).</p>
<p>My question is, is this how it should sound, a pretty pronounced H sound or is it a dialect that I shouldn't pick up and should my H be really clean?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-24T15:47:51.990Z
Excellent question! As a Chinese, I've never realized this difference between Chinese h and English h. Now I think you are right! There is a little g here and I don't know why.
Archeosudoerus
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-06-17T21:38:41.887Z
Just remeber this: hahahaha.
Shaw
<pronunciation><pinyin>
Pinyin "h" sound, pronunciation
# Pinyin "h" sound, pronunciation

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-06-23)

I notice that the pinyin "h" is in many books just the same as in English.

But when I listen to people, some people stress the "h" and there is a tiny gggg, and some gurgling sometimes (hope this is the right word, my native tongue is not English).

My question is, is this how it should sound, a pretty pronounced H sound or is it a dialect that I shouldn't pick up and should my H be really clean?

**Tags:** pronunciation, pinyin

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Excellent question! As a Chinese, I've never realized this difference between Chinese h and English h. Now I think you are right! There is a little g here and I don't know why.  
> **username_2**: Just remeber this: hahahaha.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2014-06-23. Score: 7

In standard Mandarin, the pinyin h is pronounced as [x] in IPA, like ch in Scottish English loch -- yes, you're right that there's a tiny g, because [x] is a velar consonant. However, in south China, many simply say [h], although some natural assimilation may happen. For instance, for those speakers, pinyin *ha* is [ha] while pinyin *he* becomes [xɤ] (if you get [ɤ] right, then [hɤ] simply doesn't work, you would do [xɤ] unconsciously). Therefore [h] and [x] are allophones in this sense, so don't worry about your pronunciation.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: Hi! Would you say the [x] or [h] pronunciation is more common in standard Mandarin? Or is it either/or?  
> **username_3**: [x] is more common in northern China and it is the standard pronunciation. As I explained, in south China, it is common to switch between [h] and [x] depending on the following vowel.  

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