An aspect of Mandarin learning that many students find difficult is the concept of tones. It also happens to be one of the first things you’ll learn in your Mandarin Chinese lessons. It’s all part of what you should expect when you first start studying Mandarin Chinese.
There are four tones in Mandarin. First tone is a steady tone, like a musical note held steady. Second tone is a rising tone, like what is used at the end of a question in English. Third tone drops down and then up again. Fourth tone is a falling tone that drops down at the end.
Tones are important because if you say the wrong one it changes the meaning of the word completely. A good Chinese teacher will make sure your tones are correct and you may have to try it hundreds of times before you consistently get your tones right. It can be frustrating to feel like you are repeating the same word over and over again, but keep in mind that the end result- speaking flawless Mandarin- will be well worth the effort.
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