How to Pronounce "Donghua"
"Donghua" is the Chinese term for animation, and it's a word you're likely to see more and more as the genre gains popularity worldwide. But how do you pronounce it?
Let's break it down:
1. The "Don" part:
- The "D" sound is similar to the English "D" but slightly more forceful and aspirated.
- The "O" sound is like the "O" in "on" or "gone," but with a slightly shorter pronunciation.
2. The "Hua" part:
- The "H" sound is a light aspiration, almost like a soft "h" in "hush."
- The "U" sound is similar to the "oo" in "moon" or "food," but with a slightly shorter pronunciation.
- The "A" sound is similar to the "a" in "father," but with a shorter and more relaxed pronunciation.
Putting it together:
The pronunciation of "Donghua" is "Dohn-hwa".
Key points:
- The stress is on the first syllable: "Dohn"
- The "h" in "Hua" is very light: It's almost like a breath of air.
- The "a" in "Hua" is short and relaxed: Don't pronounce it like the "a" in "father" with a long, drawn-out sound.
Practice:
- Listen to native Chinese speakers pronounce "Donghua" online.
- Try saying it slowly and focusing on each syllable.
- Practice saying it with different tones and inflections.
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Learning a new language can be challenging, but with practice, you'll be able to pronounce "Donghua" like a pro.