🎵The Four Tones
Mandarin is tonal — the same syllable said with a different pitch is a completely different word. Train your ear here before diving into phrases.
1st Tone
High and flat — hold it steady, like humming a single note
2nd Tone
Rising — like asking "huh?"
3rd Tone
Dips low, then rises — a little scoop
4th Tone
Sharp fall — like a firm "no!"
Neutral Tone
Short and light, barely stressed
Practice — which tone?
🎵
Ready to test your ear?
We'll show a character — pick the tone you remember from the cards above.