子音
zǐyīn
The English word 'consonant' is translated into Chinese as 子音 (zǐyīn). Wiktionary also lists 輔音 / 辅音 (fǔyīn).
Meaning: sound (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 子音 | zǐyīn |
| 輔音 / 辅音 | fǔyīn |
Both 子音 and 辅音 / 輔音 are used to refer to a consonant (a type of sound).
What does it mean word for word?
The term 子音 literally means 'child sound' or 'sonant/subordinate sound' in a linguistic context. The term 辅音 / 輔音 literally means 'auxiliary sound' or 'supporting sound'.
Which one should you use?
In linguistic terminology, 子音 is often contrasted with 母音 (vowel) or 韵母 (final/vowel component).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 辅音 is the standard term for 'consonant' in Mainland China, while 子音 is more commonly used in formal linguistic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
zǐyīn
Did you know?
- In the context of Pinyin, consonants are often referred to as 声母 (shēngmǔ), which literally translates to 'mother sounds' or 'initial sounds'.
- The term 子音 is a loanword from Japanese linguistic terminology, meaning 'sonant' or 'subordinate sound' in this context.
- The character 辅 in 辅音 is also used in the word for 'coach' or 'assistant', highlighting the supporting nature of the sound.
Examples in context
- 汉语中的辅音字母很有趣。Consonant letters in Chinese are very interesting.
- 這個單字的子音很難發。Zhège dānzi de zǐyīn hěn nán fā.The consonant in this word is hard to pronounce.
- 請注意子音和母音的區別。Qǐng zhùyì zǐyīn hé mǔyīn de qūbié.Please pay attention to the difference between consonants and vowels.
- 這個語言有很多子音。Zhège yǔyán yǒu hěnduō zǐyīn.This language has many consonants.
Example conversation
Two students are practicing English pronunciation in a library.
- 伟 Wei雨婷，這個單字的子音怎麼發？Yǔtíng, zhège dānzi de zǐyīn zěnme fā?Yuting, how do you pronounce the consonant in this word?
- 雨婷 Yuting這個子音要輕一點。Zhège zǐyīn yào qīng yīdiǎn.This consonant should be a bit lighter.
- 伟 Wei我明白了，謝謝妳。Wǒ míngbái le, xièxiè nǐ.I understand, thank you.
- 雨婷 Yuting不客氣，加油吧。Bù kèqì, jiāyóu ba.You're welcome, keep it up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “consonant” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 子音, CC BY-SA 4.0.
