The best
way to explain tones is probably do so by using examples.
Here, we can use English pronunciation of letter "i" as one
example.
Tone 1: flat
In English, it is the default tone we use to pronounce 'i'
emotionlessly as in saying "I am ....".
The audio material will show flat tone 'i', and how 'i'
would sound on other tones as if with strong emotions
although you should keep in mind that in Chinese, tones have
nothing to do with meanings or emotions.
Tone 2: up
This tone
is a little like the tone used in English for questions. For
example: "Is he right?" The tone of "i" used in word 'right'
here is equivalent to the up tone used in Chinese.
Tone 3:
curve
There is
not exact equivalent for Tone 3 in English. However, Tone 3
can be delivered through a quick combination of tone 4 and
tone 2 in a very quick way. Remember, tone 4 before tone
2. So maybe you want to learn to use tone 4 first.
Tone 4: down
The 4th tone is what you will use when saying "right" as in
"Yes, he is right.”
Four tones
together:
All vowels can be pronounced in 4 tones. It can be a great
practice to play it on your own language.
Listen to this example that uses 4 four tones to pronounce
English letters A, B, C, and D.
