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廣東話普及學院
Tone
Cantonese tones can be divided into 9 tones 6 pitches.
Below are some tips to distinguish them.
FOR ENGLISH SPEAKER WITHOUT MANDARIN BACKGROUND
Tone 1: High flat tone, like singing a steady "So"
Tone 2: High rising tone, like singing "Mi" and then rise to "So"
Tone 3: Mid flat tone, like singing a steady "Mi"
Tone 4: Low falling tone, like singing "Re" and then drop to "Do"
Tone 5: Low rising tone, like singing "Re" and then rise to "Mi"
Tone 6: Low flat tone, like singing a steady "Re"
Tone 7: Same pitch level as Tone 1, but it's a checked tone (short, with stop consonant)
Tone 8: Same pitch level as Tone 3, but it's a checked tone (short, with stop consonant)
Tone 9: Same pitch level as Tone 6, but it's a checked tone (short, with stop consonant)
FOR ENGLISH SPEAKER WITH MANDARIN BACKGROUND
When learning Cantonese tones, it is recommended to pay special attention to the pitch height differences between Tone 1, Tone 3, and Tone 6. Once you master these three level tones, you have effectively mastered the corresponding checked tones (Tones 7, 8, and 9) as well.
The difference between Tone 2 and Tone 5 is quite subtle — some Hong Kong people cannot clearly distinguish them either. If you find it difficult, it's perfectly acceptable to treat them as the same tone for practical purposes.
Mastering the tones is a major key to speaking natural, authentic Hong Kong-style Cantonese. It will make your intonation sound much more natural and accurate. Keep going!
Click the button to listen to the native pronunciation of each tone and imitate the sound
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