Learn Chinese Chinese Tones and Pronunciation

Question 1

How many tones does Standard Mandarin Chinese have?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

Mandarin Chinese has 4 tones plus a neutral (fifth) tone used in some unstressed syllables.

Question 2

Which tone mark represents the second (rising) tone in Mandarin pinyin?

Accepted Answer

á

Answer

The second tone (rising) is marked with an acute accent, as in á (like asking 'huh?').

Question 3

What does 妈 (mā) mean in Mandarin Chinese?

Accepted Answer

Mother

Answer

妈 (mā) with the first (high flat) tone means mother in Mandarin.

Question 4

The syllable 'mǎ' in Mandarin means what?

Accepted Answer

Horse

Answer

mǎ with the third (dipping) tone means horse (马) in Mandarin.

Question 5

What is the 'neutral tone' in Mandarin Chinese also called?

Accepted Answer

Light tone

Answer

The neutral tone is also called the 'light tone' because it is unstressed and short.

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