Ц

Ц ц цы -  Pronounces close to the “ts” combination at the end of the word “digits”:

• цагэ́ "rib",
• цы "wool".

Цу

Цу цу цуы – Has no equivalent in English. This is a forelingual, aspirated, labialized, sibilant affricate. It uses lips actively. In order to pronounce it the organs take the same position like with the “ц” sound, the front part of the tongue touches the front side of the palate. Then the throat links up, and the tongue cuddles to the upper teeth. This creates a shutter, tearing which, a sharp, snapping sound comes out.

• цуа́къэ "shoes",
• цу "ox".

Ц1

Ц1 ц1 ц1ы – Has no equivalent in English. This is a forelingual, voiceless affricate, pronounced without aspiration. There is additional articulation of the vocal cords, which produces noise rather than voice:

• ц1ынэ́ "wet",
• ц1ыфы́ "man".