How Do You Pronounce Basic Phrases In Mandarin Chinese?
A few basic phrases can get you remarkably far in China, and your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Remind yourself every time you learn a new phrase to learn the tones as well, since saying a syllable with the wrong tone might convey a meaning you don’t intend. Acquaint yourself with the normal pitch range of your speaking voice; think of “5” as the high end and “1” as the low end. Think of each tone as tracing out a pitch contour that can be represented by these numbers. Learn the tones: “1st tone” is high and stays high (5-5 on the pitch scale); “2nd tone” is a rising tone (3-5); “3rd tone” falls and rises (2-1-4); “4th tone” falls (5-1). Greet people with “NEE (2) HOW (3).” (The numbers represent the tone numbers.
