Mandarin pronunciation
Notes on tones, listening, and speaking.
Careful, source-backed articles for Mandarin learners who want their speech to become more understandable, one phrase at a time.
Why I can hear the tones but can't say them right
Why hearing Mandarin tones doesn't mean producing them, and the recorded-comparison loop that closes the perception–production gap.
Why Mandarin Tones Matter
Mandarin tones change what listeners hear. Learn why tones matter, what to practice first, and how to avoid overpromising progress.