How to pronounce zai in Chinese
Hear every tone of zai, see the real words that use it, and record yourself for instant AI feedback on your pronunciation.
zai
zai in every tone
栽
zāiT1
to plant; to grow
宰
zǎiT3
to slaughter; to butcher
在
zàiT4
to exist; to be alive
How to say it
Keep the tongue flat and forward, just behind the teeth, for z- — don't let it curl back into a sh-/zh- sound.
Try it yourself
Record yourself saying 栽 and get instant AI feedback.
Related & easily-confused syllables
Keep exploring
Master Chinese pronunciation
TonePerfect scores every tone, initial, and final you say — with 2,200+ guided drills.