The Four Tones of Mandarin

In Mandarin, the pitch you use changes the word. The same syllable mā, má, mǎ, mà means mom, hemp, horse, or to scold. Here is what each tone does.

Tone 1 · first tone

High and level, like singing a steady note.

Example: mā 妈 — mom

Tone 2 · second tone

Rising, like asking a surprised question.

Example: má 麻 — hemp; numb

Tone 3 · third tone

Falls then rises, like a doubtful 'well...'.

Example: mǎ 马 — horse

Tone 4 · fourth tone

Falls sharply, like a firm 'No!'.

Example: mà 骂 — to scold

Tone 5 · neutral tone

Light and short, no tone mark.

Example: ma 吗 — question particle

Practice each tone in isolation first, then in real words. Inside Hanlyny you can record any syllable and see exactly which tone you produced.

Try it now on a real word

Listen first, then read it aloud. The coach shows which syllable slipped — and why.

Step 1 of 3

你好

nǐ hǎo

hello

Listen

Now you say it

Hanlyny scores your pronunciation syllable by syllable, so you know precisely when a tone is off.