Embedded Files
About Mandarin Tone
About Mandarin Tone
Mandarin is a tonal language. But what does it mean then? Right, so Mandarin is very reliant to tone in determining the meaning of a word; meaning that if you make a slight mistake in pronouncing á and, unintentionally (or even intentionally), pronouncing ā instead, then don't ever expect that what you've pronounced would be in-line with the target meaning.
Suppose that you want to read a newspaper and then you ask your friend to hand you one by saying Bāozi instead of Bàozhǐ. So, what will happen then? Next thing you know is that he hands you a steamed bun and not today's newspaper! Hence, we strongly recommend you to have in-depth understanding in both tone and pronunciation by taking your time to regularly practicing it.
Take a look at the chart below
How to Read Them?
How to Read Them?
You've learnt that Mandarin is all about being careful in producing sounds. Hence, you can listen to the audio provided in the left side in every explanation box. Remember, listening and repeating are the best way to practice pronunctiation!
First tone:
a level and higher pitch
mā
Second tone:
rising, start from a lower pitch and end at a slightly higher pitch
má
Third tone:
falling rising, start at a neutral tone then dip to a lower pitch before ending at a higher pitch
mǎ
Fourth tone:
falling, start the syllable at a slightly higher than neutral pitch then go quickly and strongly downwards
mà
I understand, take me to the next lesson, or
Let me stay here a little more
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse