How to use the trainer
- Pick a level and press Start a round. You hear a two-syllable word.
- Choose the word you heard. Every choice has the same syllables, and no two choices have the same tones, so the tones tell you which word it was.
- See the pinyin and tones of every choice. Play them one after another to hear what changed.
- Watch Your progress. It counts your answers, shows the tones you mix up most, and keeps a list of words to review. Your next round can start with the words you missed.
- Open Explore to look up any set. Type the syllables without tones (shiji), a word in characters, or an English meaning. Most sets can become a short round of their own.
Why so many words sound alike
Mandarin builds every word from about 400 syllables. With tones, that comes to about 1,300 different syllables, still far too few to give every meaning its own. So most words in modern Mandarin have two syllables, and many two-syllable words share their syllables with others.
Take 老师 lǎoshī (teacher) and 老是 lǎoshì (always). The syllables are the same, and only the tone of the second syllable differs.
Words with the same tones
In 42 of the sets on this page, two or more words sound the same, with the same syllables and the same tones. 权利 (right) and 权力 (power) are both quánlì. 实用 (practical) and 食用 (to eat) are both shíyòng.
No ear can tell such words apart. Chinese speakers know them from the words around them, and you will too. The trainer never asks you to choose between two words that sound the same. In Explore they carry the mark Same tones.
Tones that change
Two third tones
When two third tones meet, the first one is said as a rising second tone. 手指 is written shǒuzhǐ and said like shóuzhǐ. The trainer marks these words with the tones you hear, 2 + 3. Our guide to tone changes in Mandarin covers the other rules.
一 and 不
The tones of 一 (yī) and 不 (bù) change with the tone after them. Before a fourth tone, both are said with a second tone. Before the other tones, 一 is said with a fourth tone and 不 keeps its fourth tone. At the end of a word, 一 keeps its first tone. Like our HSK word lists, this page writes them as they are said: 一致 yízhì, 一直 yìzhí.
The neutral tone
A neutral tone is short and light, and its pitch follows the tone before it. Pinyin shows it with no mark, and the trainer shows it as 5.
All sound-alike sets, A to Z
All 230 sets and 518 words on this page, by their syllables without tones. Each syllable’s color shows its tone.
B13
bai fang
| 摆放 |
bǎifàng |
to place; to arrange; to display |
| 拜访 |
bàifǎng |
to call on; to pay a visit |
bai nian
| 百年 |
bǎinián |
a hundred years; century; lifetime |
| 拜年 |
bàinián |
to wish someone a happy New Year; to make a New Year visit |
ban fa
| 颁发 |
bānfā |
to issue; to award |
| 办法 |
bànfǎ |
means; method; way |
bei zi
| 杯子 |
bēizi |
cup; glass |
| 辈子 |
bèizi |
lifetime; all one’s life |
| 被子 |
bèizi |
quilt; comforter |
bi shi
| 鄙视 |
bǐshì |
to despise |
| 笔试 |
bǐshì |
to take a written test; written exam |
bian jie
| 边界 |
biānjiè |
boundary |
| 便捷 |
biànjié |
convenient and fast |
bian zhi
| 编制 |
biānzhì |
to draw up (a plan); to compile; to weave |
| 贬值 |
biǎnzhí |
to lose value; to depreciate |
| 变质 |
biànzhì |
to go bad; to deteriorate |
bian zi
| 鞭子 |
biānzi |
whip |
| 辫子 |
biànzi |
braid |
biao shi
| 标识 |
biāoshí |
to mark; sign; logo (also read biāozhì) |
| 标示 |
biāoshì |
to label; to indicate |
bu fu
| 不服 |
bùfú |
to refuse to accept; to refuse to obey |
| 不符 |
bùfú |
to not match; to not agree with |
bu jin
| 不禁 |
bùjīn |
can’t refrain from; can’t help (doing something) |
| 不仅 |
bùjǐn |
not only; not just |
bu tong
| 不通 |
bùtōng |
blocked; impassable; illogical |
| 不同 |
bùtóng |
different |
bu xing
| 不行 |
bùxíng |
not okay; won’t work |
| 步行 |
bùxíng |
to walk; to go on foot |
C5
cai wu
| 财务 |
cáiwù |
financial affairs |
| 财物 |
cáiwù |
property; belongings |
chang shi
| 常识 |
chángshí |
common sense; general knowledge |
| 尝试 |
chángshì |
to try; to attempt |
chao shi
| 超市 |
chāoshì |
supermarket |
| 潮湿 |
cháoshī |
damp; moist |
cheng shi
| 诚实 |
chéngshí |
honest |
| 城市 |
chéngshì |
city; town |
cheng zuo
| 称作 |
chēngzuò |
to be called; to be known as |
| 乘坐 |
chéngzuò |
to ride (in a vehicle) |
D10
da fu
| 答复 |
dáfù |
to answer; to reply |
| 大幅 |
dàfú |
substantially; by a wide margin |
da jia
| 打假 |
dǎjiǎ |
to crack down on fakes |
| 打架 |
dǎjià |
to fight; to scuffle |
da jie
| 大街 |
dàjiē |
street; main street |
| 大姐 |
dàjiě |
elder sister; big sister |
da xiao
| 打消 |
dǎxiāo |
to dispel; to give up (an idea) |
| 大笑 |
dàxiào |
to laugh heartily; to burst out laughing |
da yi
| 大衣 |
dàyī |
overcoat; cloak |
| 大一 |
dàyī |
first year of college; freshman year |
da zhong
| 打中 |
dǎzhòng |
to hit (a target) |
| 大众 |
dàzhòng |
the public; the masses |
dan zi
| 胆子 |
dǎnzi |
courage; nerve; guts |
| 担子 |
dànzi |
burden |
dao shi
| 导师 |
dǎoshī |
academic advisor; mentor |
| 到时 |
dàoshí |
by then; when the time comes |
deng ji
| 登机 |
dēngjī |
to board a plane |
| 登记 |
dēngjì |
to register (one’s name); to check in |
| 等级 |
děngjí |
grade; rank |
dong shi
| 懂事 |
dǒngshì |
sensible; thoughtful |
| 董事 |
dǒngshì |
board member; company director |
F9
fa xing
| 发行 |
fāxíng |
to publish; to issue |
| 发型 |
fàxíng |
hairstyle |
fa zhi
| 法制 |
fǎzhì |
legal system |
| 法治 |
fǎzhì |
rule of law; to govern by law |
fan zhi
| 繁殖 |
fánzhí |
to breed; to reproduce |
| 反之 |
fǎnzhī |
conversely; on the other hand |
fang shou
| 防守 |
fángshǒu |
to defend; to guard |
| 放手 |
fàngshǒu |
to let go; to give up |
fang zhi
| 防止 |
fángzhǐ |
to prevent; to guard against |
| 防治 |
fángzhì |
to prevent and treat |
| 纺织 |
fǎngzhī |
to spin and weave |
fen qi
| 分期 |
fēnqī |
to do in stages; to pay in installments |
| 分歧 |
fēnqí |
difference of opinion; disagreement |
feng xiang
| 风箱 |
fēngxiāng |
bellows |
| 风向 |
fēngxiàng |
wind direction; trend |
fu he
| 复合 |
fùhé |
to combine; to get back together (of a couple) |
| 复核 |
fùhé |
to recheck; to review |
fu qi
| 夫妻 |
fūqī |
married couple |
| 服气 |
fúqì |
to be convinced; to accept defeat |
G14
gai bian
| 改编 |
gǎibiān |
to adapt; to rearrange |
| 改变 |
gǎibiàn |
to change; to alter |
gang cai
| 刚才 |
gāngcái |
just now; a moment ago |
| 钢材 |
gāngcái |
steel (as material) |
gao chao
| 高超 |
gāochāo |
superb; highly skilled |
| 高潮 |
gāocháo |
climax (of a story or event); high tide; upsurge |
gao su
| 高速 |
gāosù |
high-speed |
| 告诉 |
gàosu |
to tell; to inform |
gao xiao
| 高校 |
gāoxiào |
colleges and universities |
| 高效 |
gāoxiào |
efficient; highly effective |
ge ju
| 歌剧 |
gējù |
opera |
| 格局 |
géjú |
structure; layout; overall pattern |
gong ji
| 攻击 |
gōngjī |
to attack (physically or in words) |
| 公鸡 |
gōngjī |
rooster |
| 功绩 |
gōngjì |
achievement; merit |
gong shi
| 工时 |
gōngshí |
working hours; man-hour |
| 公式 |
gōngshì |
formula |
| 攻势 |
gōngshì |
offensive; drive |
| 公事 |
gōngshì |
official business; work matters |
| 共识 |
gòngshí |
consensus |
gong zi
| 工资 |
gōngzī |
wages; pay |
| 公子 |
gōngzǐ |
young master; son of a noble family |
gu shi
| 古时 |
gǔshí |
ancient times |
| 股市 |
gǔshì |
stock market |
guan shang
| 观赏 |
guānshǎng |
to enjoy the sight of; to admire |
| 关上 |
guānshàng |
to close; to shut; to turn off |
guo ji
| 国籍 |
guójí |
nationality |
| 国际 |
guójì |
international |
guo qi
| 国旗 |
guóqí |
national flag |
| 过期 |
guòqī |
to expire; to be overdue |
guo shi
| 国事 |
guóshì |
state affairs; national affairs |
| 果实 |
guǒshí |
fruit; results |
| 过失 |
guòshī |
fault; error |
| 过时 |
guòshí |
to be out of date; old-fashioned |
H8
he hu
| 呵护 |
hēhù |
to take good care of |
| 合乎 |
héhū |
to conform with; to correspond to |
he shi
| 何时 |
héshí |
when |
| 合适 |
héshì |
suitable; fitting |
hua fei
| 化肥 |
huàféi |
chemical fertilizer |
| 话费 |
huàfèi |
phone charges; phone bill |
hua xue
| 滑雪 |
huáxuě |
to ski |
| 化学 |
huàxué |
chemistry; chemical |
huan jie
| 环节 |
huánjié |
link (in a process); stage; part |
| 缓解 |
huǎnjiě |
to ease; to relieve |
hui fu
| 恢复 |
huīfù |
to recover; to restore; to resume |
| 回复 |
huífù |
to reply; to respond |
hui shou
| 挥手 |
huīshǒu |
to wave (one’s hand) |
| 回收 |
huíshōu |
to recycle; to retrieve |
hui yi
| 回忆 |
huíyì |
to recall; to remember |
| 会意 |
huìyì |
to understand without being told explicitly |
J35
ji fen
| 激愤 |
jīfèn |
indignant; furious |
| 几分 |
jǐfēn |
somewhat; a bit |
ji guan
| 机关 |
jīguān |
government office; agency; mechanism |
| 籍贯 |
jíguàn |
place of origin |
ji he
| 集合 |
jíhé |
to gather; to assemble |
| 几何 |
jǐhé |
geometry |
ji jin
| 基金 |
jījīn |
fund |
| 激进 |
jījìn |
radical; extreme |
ji qi
| 机器 |
jīqì |
machine |
| 及其 |
jíqí |
and its; and their |
| 极其 |
jíqí |
extremely |
ji rou
| 肌肉 |
jīròu |
muscle |
| 鸡肉 |
jīròu |
chicken (meat) |
ji shi
| 基石 |
jīshí |
cornerstone; foundation |
| 及时 |
jíshí |
timely; at the right time |
| 即时 |
jíshí |
immediately; instant |
| 集市 |
jíshì |
market; fair |
| 几时 |
jǐshí |
when; what time |
| 技师 |
jìshī |
technician |
| 计时 |
jìshí |
to time; timing |
| 纪实 |
jìshí |
to record actual events; factual record |
| 记事 |
jìshì |
to keep a record; to start remembering |
ji ti
| 机体 |
jītǐ |
organism; body |
| 集体 |
jítǐ |
group; collective |
ji zhi
| 机制 |
jīzhì |
mechanism; system |
| 机智 |
jīzhì |
quick-witted |
jia ju
| 家居 |
jiājū |
home; home furnishings |
| 加剧 |
jiājù |
to intensify |
jia ru
| 加入 |
jiārù |
to join; to mix into |
| 假如 |
jiǎrú |
if |
jia shi
| 假使 |
jiǎshǐ |
if |
| 驾驶 |
jiàshǐ |
to drive; to pilot |
jia xiang
| 家乡 |
jiāxiāng |
hometown; native place |
| 假象 |
jiǎxiàng |
false appearance; illusion |
jian ce
| 监测 |
jiāncè |
to monitor |
| 检测 |
jiǎncè |
to detect; to test |
jian cha
| 检查 |
jiǎnchá |
to examine; to inspect |
| 检察 |
jiǎnchá |
to investigate (a crime); to prosecute |
jian cheng
| 简称 |
jiǎnchēng |
abbreviation; to be abbreviated as |
| 建成 |
jiànchéng |
to complete (construction); to build |
jian dao
| 尖刀 |
jiāndāo |
sharp knife; dagger |
| 剪刀 |
jiǎndāo |
scissors |
jian shi
| 坚实 |
jiānshí |
solid |
| 监视 |
jiānshì |
to keep under surveillance; to watch closely |
| 检视 |
jiǎnshì |
to inspect; to examine |
jian yu
| 监狱 |
jiānyù |
prison |
| 鉴于 |
jiànyú |
in view of; seeing that |
jian zhi
| 兼职 |
jiānzhí |
to have a second job; part-time job |
| 简直 |
jiǎnzhí |
simply; practically (for emphasis) |
jiang hua
| 僵化 |
jiānghuà |
to become rigid |
| 讲话 |
jiǎnghuà |
speech; talk |
jiang jin
| 将近 |
jiāngjìn |
almost; nearly |
| 奖金 |
jiǎngjīn |
prize money; bonus |
jiao ji
| 焦急 |
jiāojí |
anxious; worried |
| 交际 |
jiāojì |
to socialize; to communicate |
jiao jie
| 交接 |
jiāojiē |
to hand over and take over; to join; to meet |
| 交界 |
jiāojiè |
to have a common border |
jie chu
| 接触 |
jiēchù |
to come into contact with; to touch; to be exposed to |
| 杰出 |
jiéchū |
outstanding; distinguished |
| 解除 |
jiěchú |
to remove; to lift (a ban); to relieve (of duties) |
jie kai
| 揭开 |
jiēkāi |
to uncover; to reveal |
| 解开 |
jiěkāi |
to untie; to undo; to solve |
jie shi
| 揭示 |
jiēshì |
to reveal |
| 解释 |
jiěshì |
to explain; to interpret |
jie shou
| 接收 |
jiēshōu |
to receive; to accept |
| 接受 |
jiēshòu |
to accept; to receive |
jin cheng
| 进程 |
jìnchéng |
process; course |
| 进城 |
jìnchéng |
to go into town |
jin ji
| 紧急 |
jǐnjí |
urgent; emergency |
| 晋级 |
jìnjí |
to advance to the next round; to be promoted |
jing cha
| 惊诧 |
jīngchà |
amazed; astonished |
| 警察 |
jǐngchá |
police officer |
jing guan
| 警官 |
jǐngguān |
police officer |
| 景观 |
jǐngguān |
landscape |
jing ti
| 晶体 |
jīngtǐ |
crystal |
| 警惕 |
jǐngtì |
to be on guard against |
jing zhi
| 精致 |
jīngzhì |
exquisite; delicate; finely made |
| 景致 |
jǐngzhì |
view; scenery |
| 静止 |
jìngzhǐ |
still; motionless; to be at rest |
ju zi
| 橘子 |
júzi |
tangerine |
| 句子 |
jùzi |
sentence |
L8
lao shi
| 老师 |
lǎoshī |
teacher |
| 老是 |
lǎoshì |
always (often with annoyance) |
li fa
| 理发 |
lǐfà |
to get a haircut; to have hair done |
| 立法 |
lìfǎ |
to legislate |
li ke
| 理科 |
lǐkē |
the sciences (as opposed to the humanities) |
| 立刻 |
lìkè |
immediately; right away |
li zhi
| 离职 |
lízhí |
to resign; to leave one’s job |
| 理智 |
lǐzhì |
reason; rational |
lian jia
| 廉价 |
liánjià |
cheap |
| 脸颊 |
liǎnjiá |
cheeks |
lian xi
| 联系 |
liánxì |
to contact; to get in touch with |
| 练习 |
liànxí |
to practice; exercise |
lu zi
| 炉子 |
lúzi |
stove |
| 路子 |
lùzi |
way; approach; method |
lü xing
| 旅行 |
lǚxíng |
to travel; to take a trip |
| 履行 |
lǚxíng |
to fulfill (an obligation); to carry out (a duty or contract) |
M4
mao xian
| 毛线 |
máoxiàn |
knitting wool; yarn |
| 冒险 |
màoxiǎn |
to take risks; to take chances |
min su
| 民俗 |
mínsú |
folk custom |
| 民宿 |
mínsù |
homestay; guesthouse |
ming sheng
| 名声 |
míngshēng |
reputation |
| 名胜 |
míngshèng |
scenic spot; a place famous for its scenery or historical relics |
ming zhi
| 明知 |
míngzhī |
to know perfectly well |
| 明智 |
míngzhì |
wise; sensible |
N1
nian ji
| 年级 |
niánjí |
grade; year |
| 年纪 |
niánjì |
age |
P1
pai dui
| 排队 |
páiduì |
to line up |
| 派对 |
pàiduì |
party |
Q9
qi che
| 骑车 |
qíchē |
to ride a bike |
| 汽车 |
qìchē |
car; automobile |
qi jian
| 旗舰 |
qíjiàn |
flagship |
| 起见 |
qǐjiàn |
for the sake of |
qi shi
| 其实 |
qíshí |
actually; in fact |
| 骑士 |
qíshì |
knight |
| 歧视 |
qíshì |
to discriminate against |
| 起誓 |
qǐshì |
to swear; to take an oath |
qi yi
| 其一 |
qíyī |
one of them; first |
| 奇异 |
qíyì |
strange; odd; exotic |
| 起义 |
qǐyì |
uprising; revolt |
qi zi
| 妻子 |
qīzi |
wife |
| 棋子 |
qízǐ |
chess piece; game piece; pawn (someone used by others) |
qing chu
| 清除 |
qīngchú |
to remove |
| 清楚 |
qīngchu |
clear; to be clear about |
qing xi
| 清晰 |
qīngxī |
clear; distinct |
| 清洗 |
qīngxǐ |
to wash; to clean |
qu shi
| 驱使 |
qūshǐ |
to drive; to prompt; to order about |
| 趋势 |
qūshì |
trend; tendency |
| 趣事 |
qùshì |
funny story; amusing incident |
quan li
| 权利 |
quánlì |
right; entitlement |
| 权力 |
quánlì |
power; authority |
| 全力 |
quánlì |
all one’s strength; with all one’s strength |
R2
ren shi
| 人士 |
rénshì |
person (of a certain field or standing); public figure |
| 人事 |
rénshì |
personnel; human resources |
| 认识 |
rènshi |
to know; to recognize |
ren xin
| 人心 |
rénxīn |
people’s feelings; the human heart |
| 忍心 |
rěnxīn |
to have the heart to; to be hardhearted enough to |
S33
she ji
| 射击 |
shèjī |
to shoot; to fire (a gun) |
| 涉及 |
shèjí |
to involve; to touch upon (a topic) |
she qu
| 社区 |
shèqū |
community; neighborhood |
| 摄取 |
shèqǔ |
to take in; to absorb |
she xiang
| 设想 |
shèxiǎng |
to imagine; to assume |
| 摄像 |
shèxiàng |
to film; to record video |
shen chu
| 伸出 |
shēnchū |
to stretch out; to extend |
| 深处 |
shēnchù |
depths; deep inside |
shen qi
| 神奇 |
shénqí |
magical; mystical |
| 神气 |
shénqì |
expression; spirited; cocky |
shen qing
| 深情 |
shēnqíng |
deep feeling; affectionate |
| 申请 |
shēnqǐng |
to apply for |
| 神情 |
shénqíng |
expression; look |
shen zi
| 身姿 |
shēnzī |
figure; posture |
| 身子 |
shēnzi |
body |
sheng ji
| 升级 |
shēngjí |
to upgrade; to go up a grade |
| 省级 |
shěngjí |
provincial level |
sheng qi
| 升起 |
shēngqǐ |
to rise; to raise |
| 生气 |
shēngqì |
to get angry |
shi ji
| 诗集 |
shījí |
poetry collection |
| 十几 |
shíjǐ |
a dozen or so; over ten |
| 市集 |
shìjí |
market; fair |
shi jian
| 时间 |
shíjiān |
time; period |
| 实践 |
shíjiàn |
to put into practice; to carry out |
shi jie
| 师姐 |
shījiě |
senior female classmate |
| 使节 |
shǐjié |
envoy |
shi pin
| 食品 |
shípǐn |
food; food products |
| 视频 |
shìpín |
video |
shi qu
| 失去 |
shīqù |
to lose |
| 市区 |
shìqū |
urban district; downtown |
shi shi
| 实施 |
shíshī |
to implement; to carry out |
| 时时 |
shíshí |
always; constantly; often |
| 实时 |
shíshí |
in real time |
| 事实 |
shìshí |
fact |
shi su
| 时速 |
shísù |
speed per hour |
| 世俗 |
shìsú |
secular; worldly |
shi ti
| 实体 |
shítǐ |
entity |
| 试题 |
shìtí |
exam question; test topic |
shi wu
| 食物 |
shíwù |
food |
| 实物 |
shíwù |
physical object |
shi xian
| 实现 |
shíxiàn |
to realize (a goal); to achieve; to bring about |
| 事先 |
shìxiān |
in advance; before the event |
shi yi
| 诗意 |
shīyì |
poetic quality; poetic |
| 十一 |
shíyī |
eleven |
shi yong
| 施用 |
shīyòng |
to apply (fertilizer, etc.) |
| 实用 |
shíyòng |
practical; functional |
| 食用 |
shíyòng |
to eat; to consume |
shi zhi
| 实质 |
shízhì |
substance; essence |
| 市值 |
shìzhí |
market value; market capitalization |
shi zu
| 十足 |
shízú |
full; complete; one hundred percent |
| 氏族 |
shìzú |
clan |
shou fa
| 手法 |
shǒufǎ |
technique; trick |
| 首发 |
shǒufā |
first release; debut; starting lineup |
shou ji
| 收集 |
shōují |
to gather; to collect |
| 手机 |
shǒujī |
cell phone |
shou shi
| 手势 |
shǒushì |
gesture; hand signal |
| 首饰 |
shǒushì |
jewelry |
shou yi
| 收益 |
shōuyì |
earnings; profit |
| 受益 |
shòuyì |
to benefit |
shou zhi
| 收支 |
shōuzhī |
income and expenditure |
| 手指 |
shǒuzhǐ |
finger |
shu bao
| 书包 |
shūbāo |
schoolbag |
| 书报 |
shūbào |
books and newspapers |
shu fa
| 抒发 |
shūfā |
to express (feelings) |
| 书法 |
shūfǎ |
calligraphy; handwriting |
shu jia
| 书架 |
shūjià |
bookshelf |
| 暑假 |
shǔjià |
summer vacation |
shu zhi
| 树枝 |
shùzhī |
branch; twig |
| 数值 |
shùzhí |
numerical value |
sui ji
| 随机 |
suíjī |
at random; random |
| 随即 |
suíjí |
immediately |
T5
tong hua
| 通话 |
tōnghuà |
to talk on the phone; to hold a conversation |
| 童话 |
tónghuà |
children’s fairy tales |
tong shi
| 同时 |
tóngshí |
simultaneously; at the same time |
| 同事 |
tóngshì |
colleague; co-worker |
tong yi
| 同意 |
tóngyì |
to agree; to consent |
| 统一 |
tǒngyī |
to unify; unified |
tong zhi
| 通知 |
tōngzhī |
to notify; to inform; notice |
| 同志 |
tóngzhì |
comrade |
tuo xie
| 拖鞋 |
tuōxié |
slippers; flip-flops |
| 妥协 |
tuǒxié |
to compromise |
W7
wei qi
| 为期 |
wéiqī |
to last (a certain time); to be due by (a date) |
| 围棋 |
wéiqí |
Go (board game) |
wei shi
| 委实 |
wěishí |
really; indeed |
| 卫视 |
wèishì |
satellite TV |
wei xin
| 威信 |
wēixìn |
prestige |
| 维新 |
wéixīn |
reform; modernization |
wen zi
| 文字 |
wénzì |
written characters; script; writing |
| 蚊子 |
wénzi |
mosquito |
wu guan
| 武官 |
wǔguān |
military officer; military attaché |
| 五官 |
wǔguān |
the five sense organs; facial features |
wu shi
| 无视 |
wúshì |
to ignore; to disregard |
| 五十 |
wǔshí |
fifty |
| 务实 |
wùshí |
to focus on practical matters; pragmatic |
wu xian
| 诬陷 |
wūxiàn |
to frame (someone); to accuse falsely |
| 无限 |
wúxiàn |
unlimited; unbounded |
| 无线 |
wúxiàn |
wireless |
X13
xi guan
| 吸管 |
xīguǎn |
drinking straw |
| 习惯 |
xíguàn |
habit; to be used to |
xian jin
| 先进 |
xiānjìn |
advanced; advanced person or group |
| 现金 |
xiànjīn |
cash |
xian qi
| 先期 |
xiānqī |
in advance; beforehand |
| 嫌弃 |
xiánqì |
to look down on; to shun |
| 限期 |
xiànqī |
deadline; time limit; to set a deadline |
xian shi
| 显示 |
xiǎnshì |
to show; to display; to demonstrate |
| 现实 |
xiànshí |
reality; realistic |
xian xing
| 先行 |
xiānxíng |
to go first; to precede; in advance |
| 现行 |
xiànxíng |
current; currently in force |
xiang ji
| 相继 |
xiāngjì |
one after another |
| 相机 |
xiàngjī |
camera |
xiang tong
| 相通 |
xiāngtōng |
to be interlinked |
| 相同 |
xiāngtóng |
identical; same |
xiao hua
| 消化 |
xiāohuà |
to digest; to absorb (information) |
| 笑话 |
xiàohua |
joke; to laugh at; to mock |
xiao shi
| 小时 |
xiǎoshí |
hour |
| 小事 |
xiǎoshì |
small matter; trifle |
xin xing
| 新兴 |
xīnxīng |
rising; emerging |
| 新型 |
xīnxíng |
new type; new kind |
xing hao
| 型号 |
xínghào |
model; type |
| 幸好 |
xìnghǎo |
fortunately |
xing shi
| 行使 |
xíngshǐ |
to exercise (a right or power) |
| 形式 |
xíngshì |
form; format |
| 形势 |
xíngshì |
circumstances; situation |
| 刑事 |
xíngshì |
criminal |
| 行事 |
xíngshì |
to act; to handle matters; conduct |
xing xing
| 星星 |
xīngxing |
the stars in the sky; a star |
| 行星 |
xíngxīng |
planet |
Y22
yan chang
| 延长 |
yáncháng |
to prolong; to extend |
| 演唱 |
yǎnchàng |
to sing for an audience |
yan jing
| 眼镜 |
yǎnjìng |
glasses; eyeglasses |
| 眼睛 |
yǎnjing |
eye |
yan se
| 颜色 |
yánsè |
color |
| 眼色 |
yǎnsè |
hint given with the eyes |
yan shen
| 延伸 |
yánshēn |
to extend; to spread |
| 眼神 |
yǎnshén |
the expression in one’s eyes |
yan shi
| 岩石 |
yánshí |
rock (the stone) |
| 掩饰 |
yǎnshì |
to cover up |
yan xi
| 演习 |
yǎnxí |
to hold a drill; to carry out maneuvers |
| 演戏 |
yǎnxì |
to act in a play; to put on an act |
yan zhi
| 颜值 |
yánzhí |
looks; attractiveness |
| 研制 |
yánzhì |
to develop (a product); to research and make |
yang qi
| 洋气 |
yángqì |
stylish; trendy; Western-style |
| 氧气 |
yǎngqì |
oxygen |
ye zhu
| 野猪 |
yězhū |
wild boar |
| 业主 |
yèzhǔ |
owner; property owner |
yi shi
| 医师 |
yīshī |
physician; doctor |
| 衣食 |
yīshí |
food and clothing |
| 遗失 |
yíshī |
to lose |
| 一世 |
yíshì |
a lifetime; generation |
| 一时 |
yìshí |
a short while; for the moment |
yi wei
| 一味 |
yíwèi |
blindly; stubbornly |
| 以为 |
yǐwéi |
to think; to believe (often wrongly) |
yi zhi
| 医治 |
yīzhì |
to treat; to cure |
| 移植 |
yízhí |
to transplant |
| 遗址 |
yízhǐ |
ruins; historic site |
| 一致 |
yízhì |
unanimous; consistent; together |
| 已知 |
yǐzhī |
known |
| 以致 |
yǐzhì |
with the result that (usually bad) |
| 以至 |
yǐzhì |
up to; to the extent that |
| 一直 |
yìzhí |
continuously; always |
yin xiang
| 音响 |
yīnxiǎng |
sound system; stereo; sound |
| 音像 |
yīnxiàng |
audio and video; audiovisual |
you hua
| 优化 |
yōuhuà |
to optimize |
| 油画 |
yóuhuà |
oil painting |
you ji
| 邮寄 |
yóujì |
to mail; to send by post |
| 有机 |
yǒujī |
organic |
you ren
| 有人 |
yǒurén |
someone; somebody; occupied |
| 友人 |
yǒurén |
friend |
you xian
| 优先 |
yōuxiān |
to have priority; to take precedence |
| 有限 |
yǒuxiàn |
limited; finite |
you yi
| 有意 |
yǒuyì |
to intend; intentionally |
| 有益 |
yǒuyì |
useful; beneficial |
you yu
| 忧郁 |
yōuyù |
melancholy |
| 犹豫 |
yóuyù |
hesitant; undecided; to hesitate |
| 有余 |
yǒuyú |
to have more than enough; spare |
yu qi
| 与其 |
yǔqí |
rather than (saying the next choice is better) |
| 语气 |
yǔqì |
tone; manner of speaking |
| 预期 |
yùqī |
to expect; to anticipate |
yu yan
| 语言 |
yǔyán |
language |
| 预言 |
yùyán |
to predict; prophecy |
| 寓言 |
yùyán |
fable |
yu yi
| 语义 |
yǔyì |
meaning; semantics |
| 浴衣 |
yùyī |
bathrobe |
Z31
zai xian
| 再现 |
zàixiàn |
to reproduce (a past event) |
| 在线 |
zàixiàn |
to be online |
zao qi
| 早起 |
zǎoqǐ |
to get up early |
| 早期 |
zǎoqī |
early period; early phase |
zhan xian
| 展现 |
zhǎnxiàn |
to show; to display |
| 占线 |
zhànxiàn |
to be busy (of a phone line) |
zhang fu
| 涨幅 |
zhǎngfú |
increase; rate of rise |
| 丈夫 |
zhàngfu |
husband |
zhao shou
| 招收 |
zhāoshōu |
to recruit (students or workers); to take on |
| 招手 |
zhāoshǒu |
to wave; to beckon |
zhen shi
| 真实 |
zhēnshí |
true; real |
| 珍视 |
zhēnshì |
to value |
zheng zhi
| 争执 |
zhēngzhí |
to dispute |
| 整治 |
zhěngzhì |
to fix up; to bring under control |
| 正直 |
zhèngzhí |
upright |
| 正值 |
zhèngzhí |
just at the time of |
zhi cheng
| 支撑 |
zhīchēng |
to prop up; to support |
| 制成 |
zhìchéng |
to make into; to manufacture |
zhi dian
| 支点 |
zhīdiǎn |
fulcrum; pivot |
| 致电 |
zhìdiàn |
to call; to phone |
zhi fu
| 支付 |
zhīfù |
to pay |
| 制服 |
zhìfú |
uniform |
| 致富 |
zhìfù |
to get rich |
zhi jin
| 纸巾 |
zhǐjīn |
tissue; paper towel |
| 至今 |
zhìjīn |
so far; to this day |
zhi jing
| 直径 |
zhíjìng |
diameter |
| 致敬 |
zhìjìng |
to pay one’s respects to |
zhi neng
| 只能 |
zhǐnéng |
can only |
| 智能 |
zhìnéng |
intelligence; smart |
zhi qian
| 之前 |
zhīqián |
before; prior to |
| 值钱 |
zhíqián |
valuable |
zhi wu
| 植物 |
zhíwù |
plant; vegetation |
| 职务 |
zhíwù |
post; position |
zhi yi
| 执意 |
zhíyì |
insistently; stubbornly |
| 质疑 |
zhìyí |
to call into question; to question (truth or validity) |
zhi zhu
| 蜘蛛 |
zhīzhū |
spider |
| 支柱 |
zhīzhù |
pillar |
zhong dian
| 中点 |
zhōngdiǎn |
midpoint |
| 钟点 |
zhōngdiǎn |
hour; appointed time |
zhong duan
| 终端 |
zhōngduān |
terminal; end device |
| 中断 |
zhōngduàn |
to interrupt; to break off; to cut short |
zhong xin
| 中心 |
zhōngxīn |
center; heart |
| 衷心 |
zhōngxīn |
heartfelt |
| 重心 |
zhòngxīn |
focus; main emphasis; center of gravity |
zhu fu
| 嘱咐 |
zhǔfù |
to urge; to remind (someone) with care |
| 主妇 |
zhǔfù |
housewife |
| 祝福 |
zhùfú |
to bless; to wish someone well |
zhu ti
| 主体 |
zhǔtǐ |
main body; principal part |
| 主题 |
zhǔtí |
theme; subject |
zhu zi
| 竹子 |
zhúzi |
bamboo |
| 注资 |
zhùzī |
to inject capital |
| 柱子 |
zhùzi |
pillar |
zhuan ji
| 专机 |
zhuānjī |
special plane; charter plane |
| 专辑 |
zhuānjí |
music album; special issue |
| 转机 |
zhuǎnjī |
to transfer flights; to change planes |
zhuan zhi
| 专职 |
zhuānzhí |
full-time position |
| 专制 |
zhuānzhì |
to rule autocratically; autocratic |
zhuo zhuang
| 着装 |
zhuózhuāng |
dress; attire |
| 茁壮 |
zhuózhuàng |
healthy and strong; robust |
zi xi
| 仔细 |
zǐxì |
careful; attentive |
| 自习 |
zìxí |
to study by oneself |
zi zhu
| 资助 |
zīzhù |
to give financial aid; to subsidize |
| 自主 |
zìzhǔ |
to act independently; to be autonomous |
| 自助 |
zìzhù |
to serve oneself; self-service |
zong zhi
| 宗旨 |
zōngzhǐ |
guiding purpose; mission |
| 总之 |
zǒngzhī |
in a word; in short |
zou jin
| 走进 |
zǒujìn |
to walk into; to enter |
| 走近 |
zǒujìn |
to approach; to walk up to |
zu zhi
| 阻止 |
zǔzhǐ |
to prevent; to block |
| 组织 |
zǔzhī |
to organize; organization |
About this tool
- Sets
- 230 sets of two-syllable words with the same syllables; 204 of them have words with different tones for the trainer
- Words
- 518 words, 393 of them from HSK levels 1 to 9 (2025 syllabus)
- Audio
- One clip for each word
- Updated
- November 12, 2026
The sets come from our list of words that share their syllables and from the CLI handout Pinyin Homophones. We kept only real words: each one is in the CC-CEDICT dictionary or the HSK syllabus, and each word outside HSK was checked one by one for its pinyin and meaning. Most free word combinations, most slang, spelling variants of one word, words with a final -r, and most rare and literary words are left out, and so is any set with fewer than two words left.
Each clip was checked before it went on the page: that it says the right word, and that each syllable has a clear pitch shape for its tone. A word whose clip failed a check was left out.
Your scores stay in this browser. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us and we’ll check it and fix it.
Questions and answers
What is a Chinese homophone?
A homophone is a word that sounds like another word but means something else. In Mandarin, many two-syllable words share their syllables. Some also share their tones, such as 权利 and 权力 (quánlì). Many more differ only in their tones, such as 登机 (dēngjī) and 等级 (děngjí).
Are words with different tones really homophones?
Not in the strict sense. Chinese dictionaries call words with the same syllables and the same tones homophones (同音词). Words with the same syllables and different tones only sound close. Learners often hear both kinds as the same word, so this page covers both. The trainer uses the words that differ in tone, and Explore marks the sets where two words have the same tones.
How do Chinese speakers tell sound-alike words apart?
Mostly by the tones, and when the tones are the same too, by the context. Two-syllable words help: a single syllable such as shì has dozens of meanings, but a two-syllable word narrows it down to a few, and the sentence does the rest.
Why does the trainer never ask me to choose between words with the same tones?
Because no one can hear the difference. A question between 实用 and 食用 would test luck, not your ear. In a round, the choices always have the same syllables and different tones.
Why do I hear a second tone in words written with two third tones?
When two third tones meet, the first one is said as a rising second tone. The pinyin keeps both third-tone marks, so the trainer shows the tones you hear, 2 + 3, and tells you when a word is written with two third tones.
Why are 一 and 不 written with different tones in different words?
Their tones change with the tone that follows. Like our HSK word lists, this page writes them as they are said, so 一致 is yízhì and 一直 is yìzhí.
Which words are on the page?
Two-syllable words that share their syllables with at least one other common word. About half are from HSK levels 1 to 6. The rest are HSK 7 to 9 words or common words outside the syllabus. Every word is in the CC-CEDICT dictionary or the HSK syllabus, and each word outside HSK was checked one by one for its pinyin and meaning. Before a round, you can choose sets with HSK 1 to 3 words, sets with HSK 4 to 6 words, or all sets.
Is the trainer free? Does it save my progress?
It is free, with no sign-up. Your scores, the tones you mix up and your words to review are saved in this browser only and are never sent to us. You can reset your scores at any time.
