Tone pairs can blur together when you speak quickly. Focus on a few pairs and drill them with short, punchy sentences. The goal is not perfection in a single session, but clarity over time.

Tone sandhi rules often feel abstract until you hear them in real phrases. Use short phrases that you can say in one breath, then build them into longer sentences.

Three pairs to practice

• 2nd + 3rd tone: 边走边想 (biān zǒu biān xiǎng).
• 3rd + 3rd tone: 很好 (hěn hǎo) shifts to 2nd + 3rd.
• 4th + 4th tone: 不是 (bú shì) keeps the first tone lighter.

Record yourself and listen for clarity. Keep a “tone pair” deck in Fliply and review it in under five minutes per day.

Slow, then natural

Start by exaggerating the contour. Make the second tone rise clearly, dip the third tone, and keep the fourth tone crisp and short. Once that feels clean, speed up until it sounds conversational.

Use contrast drills

Pair a tricky phrase with an easy one. For example, alternate 很好 (hén hǎo) with 你好 (nǐ hǎo). The contrast helps you feel the tonal shift in your mouth and ears.

Tone work is a long game. Five minutes a day is enough if you stay consistent. Over a month, your ear will sharpen and your speaking will feel smoother.