In this video you’ll learn how to pronounce the four tones in Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin Chinese has four tones. In the beginning of your studies these tones may be really tricky for you. But, once you get the hang of them it’s smooth sailing. Here are the four tones:

1. Flat
2. Rising
3. Dipping
4. Falling


In the first tone your voice is flat and does not go up or down. In the second tone your voice goes up, as if somebody were telling you something and you answered them with a question, saying, “Yeah?”. The third tone is the trickiest. You voice starts at its “natural” level, dips low, then comes back to its natural level. Sometimes it’s hard to hear the difference between the second and third tone. The fourth tone is pretty easy. Your voice starts at its “natural” level then drops fast. When you’re practicing the tones it’s okay to use a loud voice and exaggerate your voice. By the way, if you cannot get the tones right away don’t worry too much. The Chinese people will probably understand you and be happy just to ear that you’re trying!