# Mandarin Chinese: The Four Tones

Difficulty: beginner

Mandarin has four tones. First tone is high and flat (妈). Second tone rises (麻). Third tone dips down then up (马). Fourth tone falls sharply (骂). Same sound, different tone, completely different word!

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [妈](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/mom.md) | /mā/ | Mom |
| [麻](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/hemp.md) | /má/ | Hemp |
| [马](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/horse.md) | /mǎ/ | Horse |
| [骂](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/scold.md) | /mà/ | Scold |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "The Four Tones" in Mandarin Chinese?

Mandarin has four tones. First tone is high and flat (妈). Second tone rises (麻). Third tone dips down then up (马). Fourth tone falls sharply (骂). Same sound, different tone, completely different word!

### Is this grammar topic for beginners?

This topic is at the beginner level. It is a great starting point for new learners.

## Related Grammar Topics

- [The Six Vowels](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-six-vowels.md) (beginner)
- [Tongue Placement for J/Q/X vs ZH/CH/SH/R](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/tongue-placement-for-jqx-vs-zhchshr.md) (beginner)

---

*Orphi — Speak Your Way to Fluency. [Browse all languages](https://useorphi.com/learn.md) · [View on the web](https://useorphi.com).*