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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/zh-third-tone-pair

When two third tones come together, like nǐ + hǎo, how is the first one said?

As a second (rising) tone: it sounds like ní hǎo.

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  1. As a first tone
  2. As a second tone ✔
  3. As a fourth tone

Why: A third tone followed by another third tone changes to second tone. The spelling stays nǐ hǎo, but you say ní hǎo.

Huh, didn't know that: Before first, second, fourth or neutral tones, a third tone usually only dips low and does not rise again, a 'half third tone'.

The dad joke
Two third tones walked into a café. The first one decided to rise to the occasion.
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References

Answer: As a second tone. A third tone followed by another third tone changes to second tone. The spelling stays nǐ hǎo, but you say ní hǎo.

  1. Trinity University, Tone Change Rules in Mandarin Chinese faculty.trinity.edu/sfield/chin1501/ToneChange.html
    A third tone followed by another third tone changes to the second tone.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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