This chart differs from standard IPA in that [a] is classified as a low central vowel instead of a low front vowel. The sounds in blue are found in Modern Standard Mandarin. When you click on a symbol, you will hear the sound pronounced in a level tone.

Click the “Pinyin/IPA” below above to toggle between the two representations.

Pinyin / IPA


Front Central Back
High i i y ü ɨ ʉ ɯ u u
Mid-High e e ø ɤ e o o
Mid ə e
Mid-Low ɛ e œ ɐ ʌ ɔ o
Low æ a a ɑ ɒ