Ready to train your Mandarin pronunciation and have a good laugh along the way? In this fun and bite-sized episode, we twist our tongues through three classic Chinese 绕口令 (rào kǒu lìng) — the ones Chinese kids grew up with!
Practice your tones, work on your rhythm, and challenge yourself to say:
四是四，十是十 without turning “four” into “death.” 😅
Perfect for beginners, and anyone who wants to boost fluency and confidence in a fun way.

🔸 Level 1 – Fun but Friendly
四是四，十是十，十四是十四，四十是四十。
Sì shì sì, shí shì shí, shí sì shì shí sì, sì shí shì sì shí.

Four is four, ten is ten, fourteen is fourteen, forty is forty.

If you’ve ever said “sì” when you meant “shí,” or “死” when you meant “十”…
Yeah. You know the struggle.

The moment your “si” becomes “shi,” it’s over.
Like… real over.
Try saying this one slowly — then say it faster, and suddenly you’re not sure if you said “fourteen” or “death.”

But hey — that’s how we improve. One 四十 at a time.

🔸 Level 2 – Mandarin Mayhem Begins
黑化肥会发灰，灰化肥会发黑。
Hēi huà féi huì fā huī, huī huà féi huì fā hēi.

Black fertilizer turns grey, grey fertilizer turns black.

Yes, we’re talking about fertilizer now.
No, I don’t know why this was on every kid’s list — but we all said it, over and over again, usually in front of a teacher who was way too amused.

This one’s all about your f sounds and h tones:
fēi / fā, hēi / huī — those little switches make a big difference.
Get this one right and you’ll sound fluent even if you don’t feel fluent yet.

And let’s be honest — it lowkey sounds poetic. A little eco-drama. Mandarin edition.

🔸 Level 3 – Drama Queen Mode
吃葡萄不吐葡萄皮，不吃葡萄倒吐葡萄皮。
Chī pú táo bù tǔ pú táo pí, bù chī pú táo dào tǔ pú táo pí.

Eat grapes without spitting the skin, don’t eat grapes but spit out the skin.

This one’s got it all: juicy sounds, repeated rhythm, and a whole mood.
Honestly? This is for the drama queens.
Or the friend who fake-eats at parties and leaves the mess.

Try saying it with emotion.
Like: “你不吃葡萄… 你还吐皮？！？”
I feel betrayed. Grapes feel betrayed. Language is spiraling.
But your Mandarin? Getting better every second.