Use this tool to add tone marks to pinyin or to convert tone number (e.g. hao3) to tone marks.

Although you can use the red buttons to add tone marks, we highly recommend you use the number method (e.g. hao3) for speed and placement of the accent above the correct vowel. [Hint: Type "v" for "ü"]
Note: You do not need to use this tool to enter pinyin in this dictionary.

Scavenger Sunday Episode 12 – 下 (xià)

This is episode 12 of our video series Scavenger Sunday. Join Allen and Nora whilst they teach you about the Chinese character 下 (xià). Learn some new Chinese words and phrases to use everyday!
Thanks to everyone who sent us their 下 (xià) photos and videos!

Here’s the Youku video if you can’t access YouTube.

A: Welcome back to Episode 12 of Scavenger Sunday video!
N: Welcome back everyone to our 节目 program.
A: Yeah last week I remember we introduced to you the 下 (xià) character, which means down or finish if it’s in a verb.
N: Oh yeah that’s right. So how are some ways we can use the 下 (xià) character?
A: I would say ‘我在楼下。’ which means ‘I’m downstairs.’
N: Hey, didn’t you say that last week?
A: No, no…
N: Oh…you said ‘我在楼上’. Which means what?
A: Ohhhhh ‘我在楼上。’ means I’m upstairs, so it’s the opposite meaning.
N: So, you’re coming downstairs now. I have to leave to leave the building.
A: Sometimes I prefer to stay on the first floor of the building…
N: On the ground. So let’s have a look at those 下 videos that you sent us this week.

[Scavenger Sunday video montage]

A: Thanks guys for sending us those 下 photos and videos last week.
N: Nice job! And we’re looking forward to even more videos this week! Don’t be shy!
A: So for next week’s character we want you to take photos and videos of the 十 (shí) character which means 10 in Chinese.
N: Yeah, actually it’s funny when I first came to China I didn’t know how to count in Chinese and I would ask the price of something and the shop keeper would be doing this [makes X with fingers]. And I though it was like ‘Stay away, stay away!’ but really it’s means 十 (shí) because it looks like a cross. So Allen can you show us how to write that character?
A: Yeah, here we go!

[Allen’s Writing] You can download the Chinese Dictionary Mobile App that Allen uses here

N: Thanks Allen, I think I can handle writing that one.
A: You’re welcome. I hope you can learn how to write the 十 (shí) character quickly. Don’t forget to send your 十 (shí) photos and videos to our Facebook page.
N: You can also email us at [email protected].
A: We’re looking forward to seeing your 十 (shí) character photos and videos.
N: That’s right. So have a good week everybody and see you next time! Byeee
A: Bye!