01 · 5 min
Hear the four tones
In this lesson
Understand that tone changes meaning in Mandarin.
Mandarin uses four main tones plus a light neutral tone. Begin by hearing the shape of each tone; perfect pronunciation can come later.
Core words
妈
mā
mother · first tone
麻
má
hemp · second tone
马
mǎ
horse · third tone
骂
mà
to scold · fourth tone
Useful pattern
mā → má → mǎ → mà
high → rising → low/dipping → falling
Keep the syllable the same and change only its pitch shape.
💡 Do not replace tones with extra stress. Think of each tone as a short melody.
Quick check
Which pinyin has the third tone?