1High level
55 / high flat — Starts high and stays high—like a calm high note.
e.g. 詩 si1 — poem
Pronunciation
Tone lab
Six common Cantonese tones—learn the contours, then drill gently.
2High rising
25 / rise — Starts mid-low and rises sharply—questioning lift.
e.g. 史 si2 — history
3Mid level
33 / mid flat — Steady middle pitch—no climb or fall.
e.g. 試 si3 — to try
4Low falling
21 / low fall — Starts low and dips further—warm gravelly base.
e.g. 時 si4 — time
5Low rising
23 / low rise — Starts low and rises gently—softer than tone 2.
e.g. 市 si5 — market
6Low level
22 / low flat — Steady low pitch—grounded and flat.
e.g. 是 si6 — yes / to be