How Important Is It To Learn Chinese Tones

If you want to learn Chinese, mastering tones is of great importance.

Some argue that tones are not that important, especially for a beginner,  because, they say, most local Chinese speakers expect foreigners to get it wrong a lot of the time and they will grasp what you are trying to say anyway.

However, if the person you’re talking to can’t guess what you want to say, communication will rapidly break down if your tones are even slightly off, which can lead to misunderstandings and frustration for everyone involved in the conversation.

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Here is a typical example:

1st tone: 妈 (mā), which means mother 

2nd tone: 麻 (má), which means hemp

3rd tone: 马 (mǎ), which means horse

4th tone: 骂 (mà), which means scold

Get the tone wrong and you could end up telling a child that you will mother them if they don’t stop misbehaving in class. Slightly embarrassing for a teacher?

Or how about in a job interview when you are asked who the most inspirational and influential person has been in your life and you start waxing lyrical about your incredible horse, who was not only a brilliant mother but also a very successful business woman.

Here’s another example:

吻 (wěn) means kiss, whereas 问 (wèn) means ask.
Look at the difference here:

1. Can I just ask you, John, what time are you leaving the office today?
2. Can I just kiss you, John? What time are you leaving the office today?

Or another classic example:

水饺 – shuǐ jiǎo, meaning, dumplings.
睡觉 – shuì jiào, meaning, sleep.

Note, the pronunciation is the same but the tones are different:

Compare these two questions:

1. xiǎo jie, shuǐ (三声) jiǎo (三声) yī wǎn duō shao qián?
Miss, how much is a bowl of dumplings?

2. xiǎo jie, shuì (四声) jiào (四声) yī wǎn duō shao qián?
Miss (insinuating prostitute) – how much is it to sleep with you (one night)?

Don’t you think it might be worth getting those tones perfect, right from the outset?

Video – How to practice and Master Mandarin Tones

Of course, English speakers don’t enunciate perfectly at all times and the same can be said for native Chinese speakers; they don’t enunciate every single tone very perfectly every time they say something.

However, that does not mean that you should buy into the belief that tones are not important. They are, especially as you move forward and want to start putting your ideas and opinions across clearly and concisely.

Start perfecting those Chinese tones from the outset and in the long run the extra effort really will payoff!

Video – Mandarin Tones & Tone Changes

For a much better insight into the importance of tones read this excellent article by Olle Linge at Hacking Chinese.