Tone Change Rules

All of the examples used to illustrate the Tone Change Rules below come from the HSK word database.

Rule 1: Two Consecutive Third Tones: 3+3 = 2+3

When a 3rd tone is followed by another 3rd tone, the first 3rd tone changes to a 2nd tone.
  • 你好 (nǐ + hǎo = ní hǎo)

    Two 3rd Tone Words

    • Rule 2: Three Consecutive Third Tones: 3+3+3 = 2+2+3

    When a 3rd tone is followed by two other 3rd tones, the first two 3rd tones change to a 2nd tone.
  • 你很好 (nǐ + hěn + hǎo = ní hén hǎo)

    • Three 3rd Tone Words

    Rule 3: Half Third Tones

    A half third tone falls and does not rise. A third tone changes into a half third tone when followed by a 1st, 2nd, 4th, or neutral tone.
    3rd + 1st
    Tone Words       3rd + 2st
    Tone Words

    3rd + 4th
    Tone Words       3rd + Neutral
    Tone Words

    Rule 4: Bu (不) 4Δ2 rule: 4+4 = 2+4

    Bu is 4th tone normally, but changes to 2nd tone if followed by another 4th tone.
    不错 (bù + cuò = bú cuò)

    "不" + 4th Tone Words

    Rule 5: Yi (一) 1Δ2 if 4

    Yi is 1st tone by itself, but changes to 2nd tone when followed by a 4th tone.
  • #1+4 = 2+4
    一个 (yī + gè = yígè)
    • "一" + 4th Tone Words

    Rule 6: Yi (一) 1Δ4 if 1, 2, or 3

    Yi is 1st tone by itself, but changes to 4th tone when followed by a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd tone.
  • #1+1 = 4+1
    一般 (yī + bān = yì bān)
  • #1+2 = 4+2
    一毛 (yī + máo = yì máo)
  • #1+3 = 4+3
    一会儿 (yī + huǐr = yì huǐr)
    • "一" + 1st/2nd/3rd Tone Words

    Rule 7: The Neutral Tone

    The neutral tone is pronounced high when following a third tone. It is pronounced low at all other times.
    3rd + Neutral Tone Words

    1st/2nd/4th + Neutral Tone Words