Meanings of 语气
By ear
Play it, then pick what 语气 means.
About 语气
Podcast: 语气
Podcast: 语气
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 语气
语调 (yǔdiào) refers specifically to the pitch or intonation of speech, while 语气 (yǔqì) encompasses both tone and grammatical mood.
Learners often confuse '语气' with '语调' (yǔdiào), which specifically refers to intonation. Remember that '语气' can also pertain to the emotional undercurrent in a conversation, making it more nuanced. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with tone as it can change the meaning of your statements.
As an HSK 5 word, '语气' connects with other vocabulary related to communication and emotion, such as '语音' (yǔyīn, pronunciation) and '语法' (yǔfǎ, grammar). Focus on using this word in sentences to express different emotional states or intentions to reinforce your understanding.
Learners often misuse '语气' when they mean '语调'. For instance, saying '她的语调很温柔' (Her tone is gentle) when they should say '她的语气很温柔' to indicate the manner of speaking. Always clarify whether you mean tone of voice or tone in a broader emotional context.
Pronunciation of 语气
Drill the tone of 语气 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 语气 to You
Let me explain 语气 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 语气 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 语气?
Learning Lab
Knowing 语气 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say tone in Chinese
“tone” in Chinese is语气
The term '语气' (yǔqì) refers to the tone or manner of speaking in Mandarin. It encompasses not just the emotional quality conveyed through voice modulation, but also the grammatical mood of a sentence, which can affect the meaning significantly. Understanding '语气' is crucial for effective communication, as it can alter the listener's perception of intent and meaning.
When to use 语气
Learners often confuse '语气' with '语调' (yǔdiào), which specifically refers to intonation. Remember that '语气' can also pertain to the emotional undercurrent in a conversation, making it more nuanced. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with tone as it can change the meaning of your statements.
语气 or something close to it
语调 (yǔdiào) refers specifically to the pitch or intonation of speech, while 语气 (yǔqì) encompasses both tone and grammatical mood.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '语气' when they mean '语调'. For instance, saying '她的语调很温柔' (Her tone is gentle) when they should say '她的语气很温柔' to indicate the manner of speaking. Always clarify whether you mean tone of voice or tone in a broader emotional context.
Write 语气
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 语气 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 语气
语气 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“他强迫你做的？”她的____里带着怀疑。
"He made you do it?" Her voice was incredulous.
Example Sentences for 语气 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 语气?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 语气
'语气' refers to the tone or mood of speaking, while '语调' specifically refers to the intonation pattern in speech.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 语气?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.