What is voiceless alveopalatal affricate?

The voiceless alveopalatal affricate is a consonant sound that is produced by blocking the airflow completely in the oral cavity by pressing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge and the front part of the hard palate, creating a constriction. Then, releasing the closure while keeping the tongue in the same position, producing a sudden release of air through the narrow opening. This causes a small burst of friction, creating a characteristic hissing sound.

IPA symbol: /t͡ɕ/

Examples of words containing the voiceless alveopalatal affricate:

  • Chinese: 来 /lái/ (to come)
  • Polish: czapka /'t͡ʂapka/ (hat)
  • Lithuanian: čia /t͡ʃiɐ/ (here)
  • Japanese: 今日 /kyō/ (today)