nei5你hou2好
Hello (two rising tones: low rising, then high rising)
Grammar
The six tones
How Cantonese uses pitch to change a word's meaning
Cantonese is a tonal language, which means the pitch of a syllable can change its meaning entirely. The same sound said in six different tones can be six different words, so getting them right matters from the start. This lesson breaks down the six tones simply, so the vocabulary you have already learned starts to make more sense.
Grammar
The six tones
Cantonese is a **tonal** language. The same sound said at a different **pitch** is a different word. There are **six tones**, and your romanization marks each one: jyutping with a number, yale with a mark above the vowel.
One sound, six meanings
1 sound → 6 tones → 6 words
si1 / si5詩 / 市
Every syllable can be said in six tones, and the tone is part of the word. Change only the pitch and you change the meaning. Tap each one below to hear it. The two pairs learners mix up most are tones 2 and 5 (both rise) and tones 3 and 6 (both stay level).
si1詩
Poem (tone 1, high)
si2史
History (tone 2, rising)
si3試
To try (tone 3, mid)
si4時
Time (tone 4, low falling)
si5市
Market (tone 5, low rising)
si6事
Matter (tone 6, low)
Recap
Pitch is part of the word
Six tones, one sound, six meanings. In Cantonese the **pitch** is part of the word, not optional. The pairs to keep apart are tones **2 and 5**, and tones **3 and 6**.
Frequently asked questions
How many tones does Cantonese have?
Standard Cantonese has six tones. Each one uses a different pitch or pitch movement, and changing the tone can change the word completely.
Why are tones important in Cantonese?
Because Cantonese is tonal, two words can share the same spelling and sound yet mean different things depending on the tone. Using the right tone is what makes you understood.
Are Cantonese tones hard to learn?
They feel tricky at first, but they become natural with listening and practice. Learning the words from earlier lessons in their correct tones is the easiest way in.