The third tone: a free mini lesson

The third tone is the one learners find hardest. Here are three rules that cover almost every case, with practice words from the new HSK Level 1 list.

1. The third tone is usually just low

Tone charts draw the third tone as a dip that falls and then rises. You hear that full dip mainly when the syllable is said on its own or at the end of a phrase, especially with emphasis: 好！ hǎo!

Before a 1st, 2nd, 4th or neutral tone, say only the low part and don't rise. Teachers call this the half-third tone.

2. Two third tones: the first becomes a 2nd tone

When two third tones come together, say the first one with a rising tone. Pinyin still writes both with the third-tone mark, so you have to make the change yourself.

3. Three third tones in a row

Group the syllables by meaning, and keep the last one as a third tone. 我很好 (wǒ hěn hǎo, “I'm fine”) is usually said wó hén hǎo at normal speed. When it is said slowly, wǒ hén hǎo is also heard.

Practice: which pattern is it?

Say each word aloud, decide on the pattern, then check.

1. 你好 nǐ hǎo
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   3 + 3. Say ní hǎo.
2. 老师 lǎoshī
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   3 + 1. Half-third: a low lǎo, then a high shī.
3. 可以 kěyǐ
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   3 + 3. Say kéyǐ.
4. 很忙 hěn máng
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   3 + 2. Half-third: a low hěn, then a rising máng.
5. 水果 shuǐguǒ
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   3 + 3. Say shuíguǒ.
6. 好看 hǎokàn
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   3 + 4. Half-third: a low hǎo, then a falling kàn.
7. 喜欢 xǐhuan
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   3 + neutral. Half-third, then a short, light huan.
8. 我很好 wǒ hěn hǎo
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   3 + 3 + 3. Usually wó hén hǎo at normal speed.