Pinyin Tone Tool
Convert pinyin between tone numbers (ni3 hao3) and tone marks (nǐ hǎo). Type the easy numbered form and get properly accented pinyin — or strip marks back to numbers.
Pinyin tone marks vs. tone numbers
There are two common ways to write Mandarin tones. Tone numbers (ni3, hao3) are quick to type on any keyboard and are how most input methods and dictionaries store pinyin. Tone marks (nǐ, hǎo) are the standard for textbooks, subtitles and anything you read. This tool converts between them instantly and puts the diacritic on the correct vowel every time.
| Tone | Number | a | e | i | o | u | ü |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (high level) | 1 | ā | ē | ī | ō | ū | ǖ |
| 2nd (rising) | 2 | á | é | í | ó | ú | ǘ |
| 3rd (dipping) | 3 | ǎ | ě | ǐ | ǒ | ǔ | ǚ |
| 4th (falling) | 4 | à | è | ì | ò | ù | ǜ |
| neutral | 5 / none | a | e | i | o | u | ü |
How to type pinyin tone marks
Just type the syllable followed by its tone number — hao3 → hǎo, nv3 or nu:3 → nǚ. To go the other way, paste marked pinyin and switch to Marks → numbers. The neutral tone can be written with a 5 or left unmarked.
Which vowel gets the mark?
The rule is fixed: an a or e always takes the tone mark; in the combination ou it sits on the o; otherwise it falls on the last vowel. The u/ü distinction matters after n and l (nǔ vs. nǚ), so type v or u: for ü.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type pinyin tone marks?
Type the syllable followed by the tone number (for example "hao3" or "lyu:4"), and this tool places the correct accent on the correct vowel automatically.
Which vowel gets the tone mark?
It follows the standard rule: a or e always takes the mark; in "ou" it goes on the o; otherwise it falls on the last vowel.
Can it go the other way?
Yes — paste marked pinyin and switch to "To numbers" to get the tone-number form back.