🎵 The four tones

Unit 1 · Tones, greetings & introductions (HSK 1) · 8 min

Mandarin has four tones plus a neutral tone. The same syllable "ma" changes meaning with its tone. Listen first, then copy out loud.

Words in this lesson

• 妈 (mā) — ma; mom
• 麻 (má) — hemp
• 马 (mǎ) — horse; horse or cavalry piece in Chinese chess
• 骂 (mà) — to scold; to abuse
• 吗 (ma) — (question particle for "yes-no" questions)

Draw the tone in the air with your hand: — ／ ∨ ＼

Project: Record 20 seconds reading mā má mǎ mà ma in order and let a friend tell the tones apart.