Chinese Tone Quiz
Practice the 4 Mandarin tones
Quick Tone Reference
Use this Chinese tone quiz to practice the 4 Mandarin tones by listening for tone shape before you choose an answer.
- 1st tone: High and flat
- 2nd tone: Rising
- 3rd tone: Dipping / low-rising
- 4th tone: Falling
How this quiz works
- Listen to the prompt and focus on the Mandarin tone contour.
- Choose the tone you hear.
- Review the feedback, replay when needed, and continue practicing.
Common mistakes
- Confusing 2nd tone and 3rd tone when both sound like movement upward.
- Hearing the tone shape but ignoring the syllable itself.
- Rushing without replaying audio when the contrast is unclear.
Other next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this Chinese tone quiz practice?
It focuses on hearing and choosing the 4 Mandarin tones, so the practice stays narrow and useful for tone recognition.
Should I practice tones before Pinyin?
You can practice them together. Use this page for tone shape, then use the Pinyin quiz when similar initials and finals need more attention.
What should I do if 2nd and 3rd tone sound similar?
Replay the audio and listen for the shape: 2nd tone rises, while 3rd tone usually starts lower and dips before rising.