Chinese is Difficult

I had a few requests for an update so I will endeavour to do so, although not much has happened since my last post.

I have taken a few Chinese classes now and I am learning more helpful phrases. Such as:

qing (3) wen (4), zhe(4) ge duo(1) shao(3) qian(2)? - Excuse me, How much is this?

tai(2) gui(2) le - Too expensive

wo(3) yao(4) mai(3) zhe(4) ge - I will take it

It is difficult to learn. For example “eng” actually sounds like “ung”. “Zh” is pronounced like a “J”. So the city I am in, Zheng Zhou. Is actually pronounced as “Jung Jo” even though it is not written that way. Many interesting new sounds to get used to as well. Then you have the tones. I hate the tones, they are the most difficult part for me. I will show you what I mean.

Above I have numbers in brackets following each word. These represent the tones to use when saying that word.

(1) is flat and constant there should be no change in your tone when saying this word. It is usually said a little above mid range and you should slightly extend the word. Don’t say it too quickly

(2) is up. Your tone should start mid range and rise through the word and finish at a high tone by the end. (This is the hardest one for me.)

(3) is down then up. Your tone for this word should start about mid range, go low in the middle and return to the original tone by the end of the word.

(4) is down. Start mid range and go low by the end of the word. Say this tone hard and fast. (I am best at this one)

Put all the tones in with the words and your speaking Chinese. Do not get the tones wrong however. A different tone gives the word a different meaning and could mean nothing even remotely close to the word you want.
It’s easier if you hear the tones but that is a general overview of speaking Chinese.
I will continue to learn and get better but it is going to take a while for sure.
Classes are still going well and everything is great. I am getting comments from more and people which is great. Keep them coming.

Till next time.