Pronouncing Chinese words is very difficult for westerners because it is a "tonal" language. That means that while we can say the word "hello" with any pitch changes we want, the same is not true for Chinese.
The best example is the Chinese word pronounced "ma". Depending on the tone, it can mean 4 different things!
| Ma(1) | Ma(2) | Ma(3) | Ma(4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mom | leprosy | horse | scold / abuse |
On top of that, each of those versions of "ma" has a different character. Tricky stuff.
The Four Tones
All Chinese words are pronounced using the four basic tones or, in specific cases, the neutral tone. As you combine words into phrases, tones can change, even when the meaning does not, because of the tones of neighboring words.
- 1st Tone
- High pitched, flat, even sound
- 2nd Tone
- Short, rising sound, like "what?" - ask a question
- 3rd Tone
- Down, then up, like an exaggerated "really?"
- 4th Tone
- Falling sound, like yelling "No!"