Structure
Pinyin

Tones

Tones are of vital importance in Chinese. Depending on the choice
of tone, you could be calling for your mother (mā) or your horse (mă)

First tone: ˉ

This tone is designated by a straight line over the vowel (mā) and is pronounced flat and high like the "ma" in Obama.

Second tone: ´

This tone's symbol is an upward slant from right to left over the vowel (má) and begins in the mid-tone, then rises to a high tone, as if asking a question.

Third tone: ˇ

This tone has a V-shape over the vowel (mă) and starts low then goes even lower before it rises to a high tone. This is also known as falling-rising tone.

Fourth tone: `

This tone is represented by a downward slant from right to left over the vowel (mà) and begins in a high tone but falls sharply to a low tone at the end, almost like if you are mad.

Fifth tone

This tone is also known as the neutral tone. Has no symbol over the vowel (ma) and is pronounced flatly without any intonation.

mā 妈 (mother)

má 嘛 (hemp)
mǎ 马 (horse)
mà 骂 (scold) ma 吗 (question marker)
Tones