This week, we learn how to ask and answer where is someone or something. We also learn just how important the tones in Mandarin are, and how simply changing them can change the meaning of a word!
But don’t worry. We make it easy. If we can do it, so can you.
Don’t forget to pick up your handout! Until next week, zài jiàn!
{Post-publication clarification: A reader made the comment that “where” and “there” are hard to differentiate. Note that when two third-tone characters form a word (like nǐ hǎo or nǎ lǐ), the first character of the word changes to second tone. This makes the expression much easier to say. Watch the end of the video again with this clarification in mind and see if that helps differentiate the pronunciation. Note also that in our home in the north there is a change of sound made to the end of the word, so optionally people say nǎ ér (blended together into one sound). In that case, it’s actually easier to pronounce and differentiate. This is non-standard Mandarin, but IS the Mandarin you would hear spoken if you visited Beijing, for example.}
great video (again) although it’s a bit hard to hear at the end when you’re on the stairs. The echo makes it a bit difficult to hear the difference in tones.
Hi Emily, We’d love to do something about the echo! It’s mostly because we still have no furniture! It’s coming, and we’re definitely looking forward to it. The tone difference is subtle. Just the other day, I made a mistake with it. I was trying to clarify some directions, but instead of saying, “It’s where?” I realized I was saying, “It’s there,” over and over and they kept nodding and smiling. I fixed it and then received the clarification I needed. If you’re having difficulty with the tones, try the “Tones” link. It uses a musical staff. We’ve had some difficulty getting out to record this week’s lesson because it’s been raining here, but maybe it’s time we do a focus on tones. What do you think?
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The Tones Link sounds very interesting! Learning about the different tones would be helpful for those of us who are completely green at this
Hope you get furniture soon!