Well,that's really kind of complicated even for a native-speaker.Just put another way,forget about the neutral tone first.In fact,there r only 2 kinds of formal tones to 不(2nd tone n 4th tone).So u can say just like "睡不(4th)着" n "走不(2nd)动".That's correct !
As to the neutral tone,I personally consider that it only happens in fast speaking.Sounds kinda like liaisons (or word connections?) in english.If u speak fastly, the tone will become smooth and neutral spontaneously.There's only one thing u should know that this kind of "liaisons" is only supposed to happen in a word group with sandwiched structure.
Anyway,as John said you really don't need to worry about this too much.To be honest,if u still have a little confused about it,just ignore the "neutral" rule.As a native,I fully accpect that "睡不(4th)着" r "走不(2nd)动" is also perfect pronunciation.U have my word.Language is about being understood, not following rules.：）
Posted on: Can't Get to Sleep
January 29, 2010 at 5:43 PMWell,that's really kind of complicated even for a native-speaker.Just put another way,forget about the neutral tone first.In fact,there r only 2 kinds of formal tones to 不(2nd tone n 4th tone).So u can say just like "睡不(4th)着" n "走不(2nd)动".That's correct !
As to the neutral tone,I personally consider that it only happens in fast speaking.Sounds kinda like liaisons (or word connections?) in english.If u speak fastly, the tone will become smooth and neutral spontaneously.There's only one thing u should know that this kind of "liaisons" is only supposed to happen in a word group with sandwiched structure.
Anyway,as John said you really don't need to worry about this too much.To be honest,if u still have a little confused about it,just ignore the "neutral" rule.As a native,I fully accpect that "睡不(4th)着" r "走不(2nd)动" is also perfect pronunciation.U have my word.Language is about being understood, not following rules.：）
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