21 Tone Sandhi (Tone Changes in Context)
We are going to learn tone sandhi rules and words or phrases.
- Common tone sandhi rules in Mandarin.
- Examples of tone sandhi in words and phrases.
- Tone 3 Sandhi: When two third tones are together, the first one often changes to a second tone (e.g., nǐ hǎo -> ní hǎo).
- Third Tone Sandhi (三声变调):
This rule applies to consecutive third-tone syllables, especially in pairs.
In longer sequences (e.g., three or more third tones), native speakers often apply this rule in chunks, following prosodic grouping.
- “不” (bù) Sandhi:
When 不 (bù) is followed by a fourth tone (ˋ), bù changes to second tone (bú).
-
bù yào (不要) → bú yào
-
bù shì (不是) → bú shì
If followed by any tone other than the fourth, bù remains fourth tone.
- “一” (yī) Sandhi
When 一 (yī) is followed by a fourth tone, it changes to second tone (yí).
- yī bàn (一半) → yí bàn
When 一 (yī) is followed by a first, second, or third tone, it changes to fourth tone (yì).
Activity
Exercises on recognizing and practicing tone changes.
1) y__________njīng (眼睛) – eyes
2) y_______s__________n (雨伞) – umbrella
3) w_____________fàn (午饭) – lunch
4) l_______o shī (老师) – teacher
5) t_________ji_____n (体检) – physical examination
6) běnzi (本子) – notebook
7) l_______w___________ (礼物) – gift
8) xiězuò (写作) – writing
9) h_________k____________ (虎口) – tiger’s mouth
10) y________sh__________ (雨水) – rainwater
11) xiǎotíqín (小提琴) – violin
12) xi________shí (小时) – hour
13) hu__________chē (火车) – train
Drag the words according to the sound
14) měiguó (美国) – American
15) jiàoshì (教室) – classroom
16) zìrán (自然) – nature
17) zuòyè (作业) – homework
18) dàxué (大学) – university
19) jì jié (季节) – season
20) mùbiāo (目标) – goal
21) rènwù (任务) – task
22) sùshè (宿舍) – dormitory
23) shìjuàn (试卷) – test paper
24) jìnbù (进步) – progress
25) shìjiè (世界) – world
26) kàndào (看到) – see
27) gùshì (故事) – story
28) dìtú (地图) – map
29) qùnián (去年) – last year
Pre-lesson Activity
Post-lesson Activity
Listening exercises: play audio and identify tone in sentences.
- Wǒ de māma. – My mom.
- Tā zài gōngzuò. – He/she is at work.
- Wǒ kàn shū. – I’m reading a book.
- Fēijī lái le. – The plane has arrived.
- Tiānqì hěn hǎo. – The weather is nice.
- Tīng yī tīng. – Listen for a moment
