The Six Tones
See how a rising or falling melody can change what a word means.
The Six Tones
Every syllable carries a little melody, and that melody is part of the word, just as much as the sounds are.
The line by each word traces its pitch. Some stay flat, some rise, and some drop low.
The same sounds can become six different words, and the tone is what tells them apart.
Sounds That Stop Short
Some syllables end on a quick p, t, or k and stop right there, with no puff of air after it. Tap each one and listen for the sudden ending.
These short syllables only ever use tone 1, tone 3, or tone 6.
Sounds That Are New
A few of these letters do not make the sounds you would expect from English. Tap each one and let your ears lead the way.