Message: "In Chinese..." - Behind the Name

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In Chinese...

by Caitlín Malia (cait)

7/25/2007, 11:34 AM

It is pretty much pronounced like the word "I". However, since Chinese is a tonal language, the meaning of each word depends on the tone of voice and pitch. It's hard to explain simply, but the word/name "ai" has a falling tone -- it goes from a higher pitch to a low one. Using an English example, suppose I ask you "Where?" My voice goes up on the question. If you then point to the place I was asking about and say "There," your voice would naturally use a "falling tone."

I don't know if you care this much about the details, but it is absolutely crucial in Chinese to get the tones right so it's worth mentioning.

~ Caitlín

This message was edited 7/25/2007, 11:34 AM

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- dark +2

7/25/2007, 1:02 PM

Why is it crucial, if you don't mind me asking.

- Miranda (Randee15) +1

7/25/2007, 2:45 PM

Because a different tone can change the meaning of a word. For example, in Pinyin Mandarin Chinese-to-English transliteration which indicates different tones:
1. ài means (among other things) "love" as a noun or "to love, to be fond of" as a verb"
2. ǎi means (among other things) "short (i.e., not tall)"
3. ái means (among other things) "dull, dull-minded, simple, stupid" or "gnaw"
4. āi means (among other things) "sad, mournful, pitiful; pity" or "fine dust, dirt"

I took all these meanings from Wiktionary. For other meanings, see:
ài: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%C3%A0i
ǎi: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%C7%8Ei
ái: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%C3%A1i
āi: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%C4%81i

- Caitlín Malia (cait)

7/26/2007, 3:05 AM

Thanks, Miranda, that's exactly right.

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