# Mandarin Chinese: Third Tone Sandhi

Difficulty: beginner

When two 3rd-tone syllables (like nǐ and hǎo) meet, the first one changes to a 2nd tone when spoken. So 你好 is said 'ní hǎo'. This makes your speech flow smoothly like a native speaker's.

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [你好](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/hello.md) | /nǐ hǎo/ | Hello |
| [很好](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/very-good.md) | /hěn hǎo/ | Very good |
| [可以](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/canokay.md) | /kě yǐ/ | Can/Okay |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "Third Tone Sandhi" in Mandarin Chinese?

When two 3rd-tone syllables (like nǐ and hǎo) meet, the first one changes to a 2nd tone when spoken. So 你好 is said 'ní hǎo'. This makes your speech flow smoothly like a native speaker's.

### 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

- [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)
- [Basic Greetings](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/basic-greetings.md) (beginner)
- [The Four Tones](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-four-tones.md) (beginner)

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