Autoplay Next video from Max length

"Wěn" or "Wèn"? "Kiss" or "Ask"?: the Importance of Chinese Tones!

2,492 views · Published 15 March 2017 · 10:12 · Indexed 23 October 2026

Channel: eChineseLearning · 2017 · Education

For a 1-on-1 Free Trial lesson in Mandarin Chinese, you can sign up here with us today: https://goo.gl/Y4Hijy

The subtle difference between "kiss" and "ask" in Chinese is an example of why tones are so important when speaking.

If you’re a beginner to Mandarin Chinese, or any other dialect of Chinese, the tones will be an obstacle that you must confront from Day 1. However, once you get the tones down, you can learn Chinese grammar and structure very quickly. 

Some words have completely different meanings based on the speaking tone. If you are not careful, you may get a slap in the face! One of the most famous mix-ups is:

"Wěn (吻) kiss" and "wèn (问) ask" 

Imagine approaching a stranger and saying "May I ask you...?" but instead saying "May I kiss you?". Very embarrassing, and possibly dangerous!

Today, Teacher Katherine also teaches beginner Chinese phrases you can use when introducing yourself:

"Nǐ hǎo ma (你好吗) How are you?
"Wǒ hěn hǎo (我很好) I am fine"
"Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi (你叫什么名字) What is your name?" 
“Wǒ jiào ______ (我 叫______) My name is _______.”

Follow along with today's lesson, subscribe and stay tuned with us for more and sign up for a Free Trial lesson of your own today!

"Wěn" or "Wèn"? "Kiss" or "Ask"?: the Importance of Chinese Tones!

More from this channel