run2-tonal-patterns

name	run2_tonal-patterns
description	Detailed tonal pattern requirements for seven-character regulated verse in modern Mandarin

Tonal Patterns in Seven-Character Regulated Verse

Modern Mandarin Tones

• 平 (píng, level): Tones 1-2 (high level, rising)
• 仄 (zè, oblique): Tones 3-4 (low-rising, falling)

Standard Tonal Pattern for 七言律诗 (7-character regulated verse)

Pattern Type A (lines 1, 3, 5, 7):

平平仄仄平平仄 (level-level-oblique-oblique-level-level-oblique)

Pattern Type B (lines 2, 4, 6, 8):

仄仄平平仄仄平 (oblique-oblique-level-level-oblique-oblique-level)

How to Apply

• Alternate between pattern A (odd lines) and pattern B (even lines)
• The final character of the line should match the pattern
• Key positions to check: position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Example Check

For line: 烽火连年燃四方

• 烽(píng-平) 火(huǒ-仄) 连(lián-平) 年(nián-平) 燃(rán-平) 四(sì-仄) 方(fāng-平)
• Pattern: 平仄平平平仄平
• Should be: 平平仄仄平平仄
• Mismatch! Position 2 should be 平 but is 仄

Practical Approach

When composing, check character tones:

1. Use tone mark guides (common characters with their tones)
2. Verify against the required pattern
3. Adjust characters if tonal pattern doesn't match