"j" (pinyin: j)
* Similar to: The English "j" sound in "jump" or "jam". However, it's slightly more retracted in the back of the mouth and has a sharper, more distinct quality.
* Think of it as: A harder, more precise "j" sound.
"z" (pinyin: z)
* Similar to: The English "dz" sound in "adze" or "adze" (the second "z" sound). However, it's pronounced with a slightly more aspirated, breathy quality.
* Think of it as: A "dz" sound with a puff of air.
Important Notes:
* These sounds are different from the English "ch" and "zh" sounds (e.g., "cheese", "pleasure"), which are represented by "ch" and "zh" in pinyin.
* The pronunciation of these sounds can vary slightly depending on the dialect.
It's best to listen to native speakers and practice diligently to get the pronunciation right. You can find audio resources online or use language learning apps that have pronunciation guides.