Are you sad and angry about the surge in anti-Asian violence? Wondering if there’s something anti-racist you can do? One idea: learn how pronounce Asian names! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just try, and it will make a difference to your Asian friends and people you meet. (1/8)

It might take a little effort... But if you can learn that in Spanish “ll” (often) sounds like English “y”, “j” sounds like “h”, and “ñ” sounds like “ny”, then you can also learn that in Chinese “zh” is like “j”, “x” is like “sh”, and “q” is like “ch”. (2/8)

So, Chloe Zhao was just nominated for a directing Oscar, the first ever non-white woman! But no one is getting her name right. Don’t just guess “zzzow” or “zhhhow”. Chinese “zh” is like English “j” and “Zhao” rhymes with “now”, but with a “j”. Like “jowl” without the “l”. (3/8)

As for the current (and possibly forever) President Xi of China. It’s not “jee” or “zhhhee”. Chinese “x” is like English “sh”. So “Xi” sounds like “Shee” (or the pronoun “she”). (4/8)

And with “q”, as in “qing” (e.g. the Qing Dynasty). Don’t panic and throw in a random “u” to turn it into the more familiar “qu”!! Chinese “q” is like English “ch”. So “qing” is like “ching”. (5/8)

Hope that helps. You can also try your hand at Korean, Vietnamese, or Thai names. And if you’re not sure, ask! Don’t just invent a new way of pronouncing a name or laugh it off, or you will be hurting yet another Asian person. (6/8)

Why does this matter? Many Asian people are so used to their names being butchered with careless indifference. I grew up feeling embarrassed and ashamed about my name (btw, “Yan” rhymes with “man”, it’s not “yawn”. And “Kung” is not “kooong”, it’s like “kung” in “kung fu”.) (7/8)

For many Asians, it is a happy surprise when someone even tries to pronounce their name correctly. But you can be that surprise for them! Validate their identity! Help them embrace their heritage! Be a force for good! (8/8)