Х

X х хы – Pronounced close to the “h” sound in the word “home” but more solid:

• хы "sea",
• хасэ́ "council".

Хъ

Хъ хъ хъы – Has no equivalent in English. This is a lingual, vibrating sound. The uvula is the most active organ during the pronunciation. It is also a sharp, wheezing, guttural sound. In order to pronounce it try to pronounce the “х” a little longer than usual for several times. Then quickly close your throat and make the accumulated air break through the obstacle. Use the uvula to produce vibration.

• хъые́н "move",
• пхъэн "sow".

Хъу

Хъу хъу хъуы – Has no equivalent in English. At the beginning it is pronounced like the “хъ” sound, then - with additional labialization. The lips are stretched forward and rounded, the vocal cords are wide open and stay in rest. The passing air touches the palate and the sides, producing a wheezing sound.

• хъун "good",
• хъура́й "round".

Хь

Хь хь хьы – Has no equivalent in English. This is a wheezing, voiceless, guttural sound. In order to pronounce the sound, the throat and the arches of the velum become narrower, and the tongue moves backwards. There is no voice in the sound, because the vocal cords are wide open and remain in rest.

• хьэ "dog",
• хьаку́ "oven".