The Chinese language is largely based on pronunciation, which is what makes it so difficult for non-native speakers to learn. This article will teach you how to count from 0 to 10 in Chinese, as well as providing you with a complete guide to pronunciation and phonetic transposition of all numbers. Once you have perfected your skills, you can show everyone the fruit of your study!
Steps
Step 1. Repeat the Chinese numbers from 0 to 10 until you have memorized them perfectly, then you are ready to teach them to friends
Step 2. 0 零:
Liin. Pronounce with an upward inflection.
Step 3. 1 一:
Ii. Pronounce it like a long "i".
Step 4. 2 二:
Ar. Pronounce the letter "r" with a downward inflection.
Step 5. 3 三:
San. Pronunciation without any inflection.
Step 6. 4 四:
Ssu. It is difficult to represent this term using the alphabet, however it is very close to the pronunciation of "ss" with a downward inflection.
Step 7. 5 五:
Vuù. Speak in a low-rise tone.
Step 8. 6 六:
Liiò. As you say this, it modulates the second "i" so that it slides onto the next "o". Pronunciation with a downward inflection.
Step 9. 7 七:
Zsii. Pronunciation without any inflection.
Step 10. 8 八:
Pa. Pronunciation without any inflection.
Step 11. 9 九:
Tziaoò. This pronunciation is similar, in method, to that relating to the number 6: here you will have to modulate the "a" in order to slide it onto the next "o". Use a down-and-up tone.
Step 12. 10 十:
Shii. Pronounce with an upward inflection.
Method 1 of 1: Phonetic Writing
- Zero: Líng
- One: Yī
- Two: Ѐr
- Three: Sān
- Four: Yes
- Cinque: Wǔ
- Sei: Liù
- Seven: Qī
- Otto: Well
- Nine: Jiǔ
- Ten: Shí
Advice
- An upward inflection is achieved by modulating the voice in such a way as to obtain an increase in pitch. This is usually what is done at the end of a question.
- A downward inflection is achieved by doing the opposite. You will need to modulate the voice in such a way as to obtain a decrease in pitch.
- A down-and-up tone is a mix of the two previous inflections. Modulate the voice, decreasing its tone, and then bring it back up to the starting tone.
- To dial two-digit numbers you will need to say one digit first and then the other. For example, "eleven" would be: Shii-ii (shí-yī).
- Special terms are added to numbers from 100 onwards. You will have to learn them individually.
