Chinese Pinyin

Chinese characters are the written symbols of Chinese language while Pinyin is the symbols of phonetic notation for Chinese characters．Each Chinese character has a specific syllable. Each syllable is composed of three parts：  initial，final，and tone.

In the pinyin system there are 21 initials，36 finals，2 semi—vowels，4 tones and a neutral tone．

Five Tones of Chinese Pinyin

Tone is a very important and difficult aspect of learning Chinese. Many characters have the same spelling in Pinyin but have different tones, therefore have different meanings. There are four tones and one neutral tone in Chinese.

1. The first tone is marked by “ˉ”. It’s a high and flat sound. For example: 妈(mā) mother.

2. The second tone is marked by “ˊ”. It’s a rising tone, from low to high, like making a question. For example: 明(míng) tomorrow

3. The third tone: marked by “ˇ” , a comparatively long tone failing first and then going up. For example:  躺(tǎng) to lie down.

4. The fourth tone is marked by “ˋ”. It’s a falling tone, short and strong, as if in fury. For example: 去(qù) go.

5. The neutral tone doesn’t has a symbol in writing. It’s light and short, no mark, usually at the last syllable of a word or a phrase. For example: 你好吗(ma)？How are you?