Tone 5 is the low rising tone. The pitch goes up from the low pitch to the mid pitch in the syllable.

Let’s compare Tone 5 with Tone 2, the rising tone we learned before. Both Tone 2 (mid rising) and Tone 5 (low rising) start from the low pitch. Tone 2 ends at the high pitch, but Tone 5 ends at the mid pitch.

Step 1  Let’s revise Tone 2 first. Listen to the syllable si in Tone 2.

Listen to the syllable si in Tone 5. Pay attention to the pitch. The pitch only goes up to the mid pitch. It also goes up less rapidly.

Listen to the syllable si in Tone 2 and Tone 5.

Step 2  Practice saying Tone 2 with the syllable si. Listen and repeat.

To say Tone 5, go up to the mid pitch and stop. Also, go up less rapidly than when you say Tone 2. Practice saying Tone 5 with the syllable si. Listen and repeat.

Practice saying Tone 2 and Tone 5 with the syllable si. Listen and repeat.

Practice  Practice saying Tone 5 with other syllables. Listen and repeat.