Complete Guide to Pinyin Tone Marks

Pinyin tone marks are essential for proper Chinese pronunciation. Mandarin Chinese has four main tones, each with a distinct pitch pattern that can completely change the meaning of a word.

The Four Tones

First Tone (ā) - High Level

The first tone is a high, flat tone. Your voice stays at a high pitch throughout the syllable.

Example: mā (妈) - mother

Pitch: High and steady

Visual: ¯ (flat line)

Second Tone (á) - Rising

The second tone starts at a mid-level pitch and rises to high.

Example: má (麻) - hemp, numb

Pitch: Mid to high, like asking a question

Visual: ´ (rising line)

Third Tone (ǎ) - Falling-Rising

The third tone falls from mid-level to low, then rises back to mid-level.

Example: mǎ (马) - horse

Pitch: Mid-low-mid, like saying "really?"

Visual: ˇ (dipping line)

Fourth Tone (à) - Falling

The fourth tone starts high and falls sharply to low.

Example: mà (骂) - to scold

Pitch: High to low, like a command

Visual: (falling line)

Neutral Tone

Some syllables are pronounced with a neutral tone (no tone mark):

Example: ma (吗) - question particle

Pitch: Light and quick, depends on the preceding tone

Practice Tips

1. Listen and Repeat: Use audio resources to hear native pronunciation

2. Exaggerate: Start by exaggerating the tones, then gradually make them more natural

3. Use Gestures: Move your hand to match the tone patterns

4. Practice Minimal Pairs: Words that differ only in tone

Common Mistakes

Confusing third and fourth tones

Not making the first tone high enough

Rushing through neutral tones

Forgetting that tone changes can occur in connected speech

Tone Change Rules

Some tones change when combined with other tones:

Two third tones together: the first becomes second tone

不 (bù) becomes bú before fourth tone

一 (yī) changes tone based on the following syllable

Mastering pinyin tones takes practice, but it's essential for clear communication in Chinese!