Chinese tones practice net or prince! These are two fun expressions with three high-frequency Chinese characters.
When you are learning Mandarin Chinese tones often become a focus. “Am I saying the right tone?” “Do I say it right?” It is important to relax and acknowledge that tones might be something new but you can learn with practice.
The best way to practice is to listen to the accurate and clear pronunciation of a native speaker or her recording. When you listen to an expression, pause and echo what you hear in your mind first. Then, you say what you hear. This is the Echo Method shared by Dr. Karen Steffen Chung, a linguist. This is a great way to practice with adult learners. So, give it a try.
Chinese Tones Practice net or prince. Let’s hear the two words and then the two sentences. What do you hear?
For parents, you can look at the tone card as a reference when you listen to the audio. When you are ready you and your child can try this tongue twister.
王子有網子。|王子有网子。Wángzǐ yǒu wǎng zi.
網子沒有王子。|网子没有王子。Wǎng zi méiyǒu wángzǐ.
這是王子 還是 網子? |这是王子 还是 网子?Zhè shì wángzǐ háishì wǎng zi.
Have fun with the tone card and the tongue twister. Invite all the family members to try it. The more the merrier. Learning is playful. Not sure if you say it correctly? Sing it. Do you have a net at home? Find it and use the sentences you are learning here. L
Listen to stories is a great way to sharp you and your child’s listening. Where Are the Colors? has all four tones and the neutral tones in Mandarin Chinese. Listen to the story and learn all the colors!
More in the Chinese Tones Practice Series:
Mom or Horse
Soup or Candy
Dumplings or Sleep
Fish or Rain