lonely planet Mandarin phrasebook
Vowel Sounds

Mandarin vowels are straightforward and you'll notice that there's quite a lot of overlap with English vowel sound. In pinyin, be aware that most vowels are pronounced differently when they're combined with some other letters, particularly n and ng.

For example, before n and ng, o is pronounced "oo". A similar thing happens with i, which is usually pronounced "ee" but changes to a shorter "i" sound (as in "fin") when it comes before n or ng.

However, if it comes after c, s, or z it changes to an "er" sound like the vowel in "girl, and after ch, sh, zh or r it's pronounced r. The u sound, when it comes after j, q, x, or y it becomes like the sound in "new" but pronounced with rounded lips.

Here's a diagram I made for you to infer on also:

Thanks! My pronunciation is a lot better now.

Well..I still have problem in pronounciation.. got to learn more..

if anyone has problem, feel free to ask me in pm, i am good in chinese