01
The 4 Tones of Mandarin
The tones that define the meaning of each syllable
MODULE 1
Pinyin and Tones
The fundamental basis of Mandarin: the pinyin romanization system and the 4 essential tones. Master these maps and you'll have correct pronunciation from the start.
10
Maps
拼音
Pinyin
四声
4 Tones
Module 1
Maps of Pinyin and Tones
Click any map to view it full size.
02
Initials — Consonants
The 21 initial consonants of the pinyin system
03
Simple Vowels
The 6 fundamental vowels: a, o, e, i, u, ü
04
Compound Finals
Diphthongs, nasals, and triphthongs of pinyin
05
Tone Change
Tone sandhi rules: 不, 一, and third tone
06
Special Syllables
Exceptions, syllables without initials, and fixed blocks
07
Combinations Table
All combinations of initials + finals
08
Difficult Pronunciation
The 8 most common mistakes made by English speakers
09
Neutral Tone and Stress
Neutral tone, marking rules, and natural pronunciation
10
50 Most Used Syllables
The syllables that cover 80% of conversations