y, w, and ü spelling

Common spellings

i → yi, in → yin, ing → ying; u → wu; ü → yu.

After j q x, ü is written u: ju qu xu still sound like ü.

After n/l, keep dots when needed: nǚ, lǜ.

Why the rules exist

y/w help mark syllable starts and match pronunciation habits in print.

Hiding ü after jqx is an orthographic convention—not a sound change to “u” as in English “tuna.”

Learning the rule once prevents years of mispronunciation.

Minimal attention list

Priority watch list: yu/qu/xu/ju, nü/lü, wu/wo/wei.

Say each with audio, then write the spelling from memory.

Connect to words you already know.

From spelling to builder

In the syllable builder, notice how initials and finals combine with these spellings.

If display shows qù, remember lip rounding.

Build ten ü-quality syllables in a row for muscle memory.