When does ci make an sh sound?

The combination "ci" makes an "sh" sound when it appears before the vowels "a," "o," or "u." For example, in Words like "cigar," "circus," and "cylinder," the "ci" is pronounced with a soft "s" sound. However, in Words like "cinder" or "cinema," the "ci" produces the "sh" sound. The pronunciation rules can vary based on language and dialect, so context is important.