3 Tone changes
There are two common tone changes you need to be aware of, but please do not worry if at this stage you find them difficult to detect:
1. When two 3rd-tone syllables are together, the first syllable is usually changed to a 2nd tone. For example, the greeting nǐ hăo, although transcribed with two 3rd tones, is pronounced with a 2nd tone followed by a 3rd tone: ní hăo (hello). In most textbooks, this change is not reflected in writing. Click below to first listen to how nǐ and hăo are pronounced in isolation, and then when they are together: ní hăo.
2. When bù (no, not) is followed by another 4th tone syllable, it is changed to a 2nd tone in actual speech. For example, bù xiè (lit. no thanks) is pronounced bú xiè (not at all, you’re welcome). In many textbooks, this change is reflected in writing. Click below to first listen to how bù and xiè are pronounced in isolation, and then when they are together: bú xiè.
Activity 2
Now listen to the expressions you have already heard in previous activities. This time, listen carefully, paying attention to the tones. Select the option with the right tones as they are pronounced (i.e. the option that reflects the tone changes) in each expression.
Note: Pause after each syllable and listen to it as many times as necessary. Only reveal the transcript after you have made the choices.
Transcript
Note: the transcript below reflects the tone changes.
ní hǎo
xièxie
nín hǎo
zàijiàn
bú xiè
a.
nǐ hăo
b.
ní hǎo
c.
ní hāo
The correct answer is b.
a.
xiēxiè
b.
xièxiè
c.
xièxie
The correct answer is c.
a.
nĭn hào
b.
nín hǎo
c.
nīn hǎo
The correct answer is b.
a.
zàijiàn
b.
zāijiàn
c.
zàijiăn
The correct answer is a.
a.
bù xiè
b.
bú xie
c.
bú xiè
The correct answer is c.