Tone Pairs Quiz
Listen to two syllables together and identify their tone pattern — the real challenge of Mandarin listening.
How to Play
1. Listen
Play the syllable pair
2. Hear the tones
High? Rising? Dipping?
3. Choose
Pick the tone pattern
4. Build streak
10 questions to score!
Tip: Tone patterns are written as two numbers, e.g. 1+3 means first syllable = Tone 1 (flat), second = Tone 3 (dip). Play multiple times before answering!
Easy
Ready to Hear the Pattern?
You'll hear two syllables — identify the tone number of each (e.g. 1+3, 2+4).
Tone Pattern Reference
Click any example to hear it
| Pattern | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1+1 | Flat + Flat | |
| 1+2 | Flat + Rising | |
| 1+3 | Flat + Dip | |
| 1+4 | Flat + Fall | |
| 2+1 | Rising + Flat | |
| 2+4 | Rising + Fall |
| Pattern | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 3+1 | Dip + Flat | |
| 3+3 | Dip + Dip (sandhi!) | |
| 3+4 | Dip + Fall | |
| 4+1 | Fall + Flat | |
| 4+4 | Fall + Fall | |
| X+5 | Any + Neutral |
Tone Sandhi (3+3): When two Tone-3 syllables appear together, the first becomes Tone 2 in natural speech. Nǐhǎo sounds like níhǎo. This is why 3+3 is a Hard-mode question!
Tips for Hearing Tone Pairs
- Tone 1 (flat ─) — Imagine holding a steady musical note. High and level.
- Tone 2 (rising ↗) — Like asking "huh?" in surprise — voice goes up.
- Tone 3 (dip ⌄) — Voice dips low then slightly rises. The longest tone.
- Tone 4 (falling ↘) — Sharp and decisive, like giving a command. Quick drop.
- Neutral (·) — Very short and light. Almost swallowed. Common on second syllable.
- Strategy: Focus on the second syllable first — it's usually less ambiguous.
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