First Run

 

So reading about DeepSeek, which is headquartered in Hangzhou,

I decided to apply my newfound interest in Mandarin. Asked COPILOT

to find me an online look-up dicionary...

                                                      

Navigate, State...

Build, virtue.

source: Wikipedia

Fancy that; I knew 'hu' meant lake before looking it up!!

                                

Zhejiang in on the map:

                                                                               

                                                                                     

                                                                    *     *     *

There are many helper apps for IOS and Android. Below, two for Windows:

                                                                           

https://erminesoft.com/app/pleco-chinese-dictionary/

                                                                                 

https://appsonwindows.com/apk/26963/

                                                                                       

                                                           *     *     *

From Wikipedia:

The West lake is pictured on the back of the yuan, the currency unit.

                                                                            

It is a recognized UNESCO area.

On Chinese language Wikipedia, hovering over a blue-colored charater leads to an image...

*     *     *

                                                                                 

DeepSeek: 

Mandarin; could you explain to me the four tone markings, using yuan as an example?

Certainly! In Mandarin Chinese, the four tones are essential for distinguishing meaning between words that otherwise have the same pronunciation. Let's use the syllable "yuan" as an example to illustrate the four tones:

1. First Tone (High Level Tone):

   - Tone Marking: ā

   - Description: The first tone is high and level, meaning your voice stays at a high pitch without rising or falling.

   - Example: yuān (冤) - meaning "injustice" or "wrong."

2. Second Tone (Rising Tone):

   - Tone Marking: á

   - Description: The second tone rises from a medium to a high pitch, similar to the intonation used in English when asking a question.

   - Example: yuán (元) - meaning "yuan" (the currency unit) or "origin."

3. Third Tone (Falling-Rising Tone):

   - Tone Marking: ǎ

   - Description: The third tone starts at a medium pitch, dips down to a low pitch, and then rises again. It often sounds like a "dipping" tone.

   - Example: yuǎn (远) - meaning "far" or "distant."

4. Fourth Tone (Falling Tone):

   - Tone Marking: à

   - Description: The fourth tone is sharp and falling, starting at a high pitch and dropping quickly to a low pitch. It sounds decisive and strong.

   - Example: yuàn (愿) - meaning "wish" or "desire."

### Summary of Tones for "yuan":

- First Tone: yuān (冤) - "injustice"

- Second Tone: yuán (元) - "yuan" (currency) or "origin"

- Third Tone: yuǎn (远) - "far"

- Fourth Tone: yuàn (愿) - "wish"

Each tone changes the meaning of the syllable, so mastering them is crucial for clear communication in Mandarin!