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Basic Rules of Modified Tones
As the other special case in Chinese phonetics, we'll explain basic rules of modified tones in this video.
Tones are relatively difficult for many learners because there are 4 tones and neutral tone in Chinese. Moreover, tones may be influenced by other tones. For example, we say “níhǎo” instead of “nǐ hǎo”.
Rule 1: It is difficult to pronounce third tone fully when two of them are together. So when two third tones are placed next to each other, we read the first third tone as a second tone.
xǐzǎo — take a shower; yǔsǎn — umbrella; fǎyǔ — French.
Please note that we just change to second tone when we read, but the third tone mark remains the same in writing.
Rule 2: When“bu” is alone or before the first tone, second tone and third tone, we read bù, the fourth tone.
bù chī — do not eat; bù nán — not difficult
when it is before the fourth tone, we read bú, the second tone.
bú shì — is not; bú yào — don’t want.
Rule 3: “yī” means one. When “yi” is used alone or before nothing, it is pronounced as the first tone,yī.
xīng qī yī — Monday
When “yi” is used before the fourth tone, it is pronounced as the second tone,yí.
yí kuài qián — one yuan
When yi is used before other three tones, it is pronounced as the fourth tone,yì.
yì tiān — one day; yì bǎi — one hundred
This article is from the online course:
Learn Chinese: Introduction to Chinese Pronunciation and Tone
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This article is from the free online
Learn Chinese: Introduction to Chinese Pronunciation and Tone
