Tag: one in mandarin

The Mandarin Tone System

The Mandarin language has a fundamental difference from Western languages: it is tonal. Tones are one of the biggest challenges for Mandarin learners, but their mastery is essential. Incorrect tones can make your spoken Mandarin difficult or impossible to understand, but using the correct tones will allow you to express yourself clearly.

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The neutral tone in Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch contour of a syllable influences the meaning of that word. This is introduced in all basic textbooks, often even before the first chapter begins. Mandarin Chinese has four tones that are often introduced properly (with the exception of the third tone, which is often not described clearly at all).

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Lesson 171 Happy Spring Festival! (3)

Yajie:  Thanks for spending your spring festival with us, and welcome to Chinese Studio.  Wo shi Yajie. 
Cam:  And wo shi Cam.  Yajie, tell me more about China’s biggest celebration…
YJ:  Well, New Years day is often spent visiting neighbours, family and friends.  And we are going to learn more about that today.

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Lesson 171 Happy Spring Festival! (3)

Yajie:  Thanks for spending your spring festival with us, and welcome to Chinese Studio.  Wo shi Yajie.
Cam:  And wo shi Cam.  Yajie, tell me more about China’s biggest celebration…
YJ:  Well, New Years day is often spent visiting neighbours, family and friends.  And we are going to learn more about that today.

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