Learn Mandarin Chinese Tones and Pronunciation

Question 1

How many tones does Standard Mandarin Chinese have?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

Mandarin has 4 tones plus a neutral (fifth) tone, but the core tonal system consists of 4 distinct tones.

Question 2

What is the correct description of the first tone (ā) in Mandarin?

Accepted Answer

High and level tone

Answer

The first tone is high and level, staying at a steady high pitch throughout.

Question 3

The pinyin syllable 'mā' with a macron (flat line) represents which tone?

Accepted Answer

First tone

Answer

The macron (ā) over a vowel in pinyin always indicates the first tone.

Question 4

Which pinyin tone mark indicates the second (rising) tone?

Accepted Answer

á

Answer

The acute accent (á) indicates the second tone, which rises from mid to high pitch.

Question 5

The word 'mǎ' with a caron (v-shape) represents which Mandarin tone?

Accepted Answer

Third tone

Answer

The caron (ǎ) indicates the third tone, which dips low before rising slightly.

Learn Mandarin Chinese Practice Test