Mastering tones is essential for clear and accurate Mandarin pronunciation. Mandarin has four primary tones, plus a neutral tone, each marked differently and crucial to a word's meaning:

First Tone (ˉ): High and steady (e.g., mā).

Second Tone (ˊ): Rising, similar to asking a question (e.g., má).

Third Tone (ˇ): Falling then rising, dipping low before coming up (e.g., mǎ). When speaking fast, you can usually just say these words in a low tone.

Fourth Tone (ˋ): Sharp and falling (e.g., mà).

Neutral Tone: Short and light, without a distinct pitch mark (e.g., ma).

Here's are some helpful videos clearly demonstrating each Mandarin tone to get you started: