The Thai language is a tonal language. Tones are the core of the language. They are essential; as important as any vowel or any consonant. Tones distinguish the meaning of one word from another.

Each syllable is pronounced with one of five distinct tones – middle, low, falling, high, or rising. The middle tone starts at a middle pitch level, rises slightly and returns to mid-level. The low tone starts low and gradually falls even lower. The falling tone starts high and falls to a low pitch. The high tone rises to a peak and then drops. The rising tone starts at mid-level and gradually rises.

Learning the five tones can be difficult at first. Once you have broken the tone barrier, you have grasped the core of the Thai language. Persistence is the key.
- Author
Aaron Handel

Menu of Tones