Pronunciation fundamentals
Pinyin & Mandarin tones.
Learn syllables, tone marks, and the four Mandarin tones.
Beginner15–20 minutes3 focused sections
01
Build one complete syllable
Combine an initial, a final, and a tone. Read them as one sound.
Initialn
+The consonant-like opening sound.
Finali
+The vowel or vowel-ending part.
Toneˇ
=The pitch movement carried by the syllable.
Complete syllablenǐ
你 · you
02
Explore the four tones
Select a tone to compare sound, spelling, and meaning.
First tone · 55
High and level →
Keep the pitch comfortably high and steady. Do not let it fall at the end.
Example妈
Pinyinmā
Meaning: motherPut the tone mark on the right vowel
Use these three rules.
1
Mark a or e first when present.
hǎo · xiè
2
In ou, mark the o.
dōu
3
Otherwise mark the final vowel.
liú · guǐ
03
Score: 0/5Tone mark practice
Answer five quick questions.
Question 1/5
Which spelling shows the second tone?
Look for the rising acute mark.