jap6 sing1入聲入声
Definition
The entering or checked tone category in Chinese languages, referring to syllables ending in a stop consonant.
- entering tone; the traditional tone category of short, clipped syllables
- technicalsyllables ending in stop consonants -p, -t, or -k in Cantonese phonology
How it's used
Linguistically, this term refers to syllables ending in unreleased stop consonants, which creates a distinct, abrupt sound. While it is classified as a tone category in traditional Chinese phonology, it is technically a syllable structure feature rather than a pitch contour. In modern Cantonese, these syllables are integrated into the standard six-tone system based on their pitch height.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a specific pitch level, but it is actually defined by the closing of the mouth or throat with -p, -t, or -k sounds. It is important to remember that not all syllables ending in these consonants are pronounced with the same pitch.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
