If you ask any language learner what the hardest part about learning Cantonese is, they’ll almost always give you the same answer:

The tones.

While Mandarin has 4 tones, Cantonese is famous for having 6 (or traditionally 9) tones.

This reputation often scares people away before they even start.

But here’s the truth: while Cantonese tones require practice, they’re not as bad as you think.

Think of tones like singing.

You simply need to hit the right note for the word to make sense.

If you can hum a tune, you can learn Cantonese tones.

In this guide, I’m going to break down exactly how the tones work, why there’s confusion about how many there actually are, and give you simple examples to practice.

Why tones matter

In English, we use tone (pitch) to express emotion or emphasis.

For example, if you say “Really?” with a rising pitch, it’s a question. If you say “Really.” with a dropping pitch, it’s a statement of disbelief or agreement.

In Cantonese, pitch doesn’t just change the emotion - it changes the actual definition of the word.

The syllable si can mean “poetry,” “history,” “to try,” “time,” “market,” or “matter” depending entirely on whether your voice goes up, down, or stays flat.

If you get the tone wrong, you might accidentally call your “mother” a “horse” (a classic mistake in Chinese languages!).

Are there 6 tones or 9 tones?

This is the first source of confusion for beginners.

Some textbooks say Cantonese has 9 tones. Others say 6.

Which is correct?

Strictly speaking, traditional linguists count 9 tones. However, for a second language learner, there are effectively only 6 tones.

The “extra” 3 tones (tones 7, 8, and 9) are actually just tones 1, 3, and 6, but cut short.

These are called “entering tones.” They happen when a word ends in a stop consonant like -p, -t, or -k. Because the sound stops abruptly, it feels like a different tone to some ears, but the pitch height is exactly the same as the main tones.

So, to keep things simple and effective: focus on the 6 tones.

The 6 tones explained

To visualize the tones, we use a numbering system (1 through 6).

If you imagine your normal speaking voice range on a scale from 5 (high) to 1 (low), we can map out the tones.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the 6 tones using the syllable si.

Tone 1: High level

This sounds like a high, flat note. It is similar to the pitch you use when you are singing “La la la”. It is high and steady.

Tone 2: High rising

This tone sounds like you are asking a question in English: “Huh?” or “What?” It starts in the middle of your range and rises to the top.

Tone 3: Mid level

This is a flat tone, but lower than Tone 1. It sounds a bit unenthusiastic or bored. It’s right in the middle of your voice range.

Tone 4: Low falling

This is the lowest tone. It starts low and drops even lower, almost like a deep sigh or a groan. “Ugh.”

Tone 5: Low rising

This tone starts low and rises up to the middle. It sounds a bit like a skeptical “Really?” spoken in a deeper voice.

Tone 6: Low level

This is a low, flat tone. It is not as deep as Tone 4, but it is lower than Tone 3. It feels relaxed and neutral.

Cantonese tone merging and regional variations

Languages change over time, and Cantonese is no exception.

Depending on where you are learning Cantonese (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or from overseas heritage speakers), you might notice some variations.

The “Lazy” Tones:

In modern Hong Kong Cantonese, many younger speakers are merging tones. This is a natural part of language evolution.

1. Tone 2 and Tone 5: These are both rising tones. Sometimes speakers (especially heritage speakers) make them sound very similar.
2. Tone 3 and Tone 6: These are both flat tones, just at different heights. It can be very difficult for beginners to hear the difference between “Mid Level” and “Low Level.”
3. Tone 4 dropping: While Tone 4 is technically a “falling” tone (2-1), many modern speakers just pronounce it as a very low flat tone, making it sound almost identical to Tone 6, just slightly deeper.

If you are struggling to distinguish between Tone 4 and Tone 6, don’t worry - many native speakers barely distinguish them in fast speech either!

How to practice and memorize tones

As an expert in second language acquisition, I always tell my students: do not obsess over the numbers.

If you try to do math in your head (“Okay, this is tone 2, so I need to go from 3 to 5…”) while speaking, you will stutter.

Here are the best ways to learn them naturally:

1. Mimicry (The “Parrot” Method)

Don’t read the tone marks; listen to the audio. Repeat exactly what you hear. Try to copy the melody of the speaker. Exaggerate the pitch changes at first. You can tone it down later as you get comfortable.

2. Learn Tone Pairs

Learning individual characters is hard. It is much easier to learn words that combine two tones.

For example, memorize the “melody” of a High-High word combination, or a Low-Rising combination.

When you learn the word for “Teacher,” don’t think “Tone 5 then Tone 1.” Just remember the melody: Low rising to High flat. Da-daaa.

3. Use your hands

When you practice, use your hand to conduct yourself. Move your hand up for rising tones and keep it flat for level tones. connecting physical movement to sound helps your brain retain the information.

4. Changing Tones (Pin Yam)

You should be aware that sometimes tones change in spoken Cantonese to make the word sound “cuter” or to indicate familiarity. This is called Pin Yam (changing tone).

Usually, a tone will change to Tone 1 (High Level) or Tone 2 (High Rising).

For example, the word for “woman” is néui (Tone 5). But “daughter” is néui (Tone 2).

Don’t let this confuse you. Just learn these changes as new vocabulary words rather than trying to memorize a complex set of grammar rules.

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Cantonese tones are challenging, but they’re just a habit you need to build.

Start by listening more than you speak. Let your ears get used to the “music” of the language.