This video clip about the Four Tones of Mandarin is presented by Simon Winchester, the British author of the book “The Man Who Loved China” which brings to life the extraordinary true story of Joseph Needham, the brilliant Cambridge scientist who unlocked the most closely held secrets of China, long the world’s most technologically advanced country.

Mandarin has four tones. Depending on the four tones, a sound can have four different meanings. For example. the sound MA. It can mean Mother – Hemp – Horse or Curse at different tones. First, second, third or fourth tone. Watch this video clip and find out how and why.

Filed under: Mandarin Lessons