Learn Chinese with Syndra on Instagram: "DON’T mix up 🐻🐱🐼 in mandarin! 熊（xióng）means bear🐻 猫（māo）means cat🐱 熊+猫＝ 熊猫（xióng māo）🐼 so easy! Here are two concise pronunciation tips for “熊猫” (panda) in Mandarin: Breakdown: “xióng” - Pronounce “x” like a soft “sh” (place tongue near lower front teeth). - Add “iong” (rhymes with “young” but shorter). - Use a rising tone (ˊ) like asking “Huh?” Breakdown: “māo” - Start with “m” (as in “meow”). - Glide into “ao” (like “ow” in “how” but lips rounded)

Mastering the 'Hour' Pronunciation: British vs. American English