Master Cantonese Pronunciation
Learn the building blocks of Cantonese: initials (consonants), finals (vowels), and the 6 distinctive tones that give meaning to words.
19 initial consonants that start syllables. Similar to English consonants but with unique sounds.
Vowel sounds and endings that complete syllables. Essential for proper pronunciation.
6 tones that change word meanings. The most distinctive feature of Cantonese.
Tones are pitch patterns that distinguish word meanings. The same syllable with different tones means different things!
High Level
High and flat, like singing a high note steadily
High Rising
Starts mid and rises high, like asking a question
Mid Level
Middle pitch, steady and flat
Low Falling
Starts low and falls, short and sharp
Low Rising
Starts very low and rises to mid
Low Level
Low and flat throughout
Why Tones Matter
The same sound with different tones can mean completely different things. For example, "si" can mean poem (詩1), history (史2), test (試3), time (時4), market (市5), or matter (事6)!