A1 · Principiante Capítulo 30

Measure Words: Counting in Chinese

8 Reglas totales
82 ejemplos
8 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the secret 'glue' of Chinese sentences by mastering the art of counting with measure words.

  • Select the correct counter for people, animals, and books.
  • Apply the 'Number + Measure Word + Noun' formula correctly.
  • Express extreme emphasis using the 'not even one' grammar pattern.
Count anything like a pro with the right measure word.

Lo que aprenderás

Learn essential measure words (量词) like 个, 只, 张, 本 for counting different types of objects.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to correctly use 个 (gè) for general objects and people in daily conversation.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to differentiate between specific measure words for animals, flat objects, and books.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to emphasize a total lack of something using the 连...都不 (lián... dōu bù) structure.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Welcome to the fascinating world of Chinese measure words, also known as 量词 (liàngcí)! Unlike English, where we often just say three books or two cats, Chinese requires a special word, a measure word, to be placed between the number and the noun. This chapter will introduce you to this fundamental aspect of Chinese grammar, showing you how to count various objects, animals, and even people correctly and politely.
Mastering measure words is crucial for sounding natural and clear when speaking Chinese.
In this chapter, you will learn the universal measure word 个 (gè) for general items and people, the specific measure word 只 (zhī) for animals, and 张 (zhāng) for flat objects. We'll also cover 本 (běn) for books and magazines, and 位 (wèi) for respectfully counting people. Beyond just counting, you'll also discover how to use the powerful «连...都不 (lián...dōu bù)» structure to express emphatic negation, meaning not even one of something.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to confidently count a variety of common items, animals, and people, use the appropriate measure words, and effectively convey the idea of having not even one of something. This skill is a cornerstone of basic Chinese communication and will significantly improve your fluency and understanding.

How This Grammar Works

In Chinese, when you want to count something, you almost always follow the pattern: Number + Measure Word + Noun. Measure words classify nouns into categories, indicating their type or shape.
1. The Universal Thing Counter: 个 (gè)
个 (gè) is the most common and versatile measure word. If you're unsure which measure word to use, 个 (gè) is often a safe, though not always perfectly correct, choice for A1 learners. It's used for people, fruits, and many abstract or general items.
  • Example: 一个人 (yí gè rén) - one person
  • Example: 两个苹果 (liǎng gè píngguǒ) - two apples
  • Example: 三个杯子 (sān gè bēizi) - three cups
2. Counting Animals: Using 只 (zhī)
只 (zhī) is specifically used for most animals, birds, and some parts of the body.
  • Example: 一只狗 (yì zhī gǒu) - one dog
  • Example: 两只猫 (liǎng zhī māo) - two cats
  • Example: 三只鸟 (sān zhī niǎo) - three birds
3. Flat Objects Measure Word (张 - zhāng)
张 (zhāng) is used for objects that are flat, thin, or have a surface, such as paper, tables, beds, and tickets.
  • Example: 一张纸 (yì zhāng zhǐ) - one piece of paper
  • Example: 两张桌子 (liǎng zhāng zhuōzi) - two tables
  • Example: 三张票 (sān zhāng piào) - three tickets
4. Counting Books and Magazines (本 - běn)
本 (běn) is the measure word for books, magazines, and other bound volumes.
  • Example: 一本书 (yì běn shū) - one book
  • Example: 两本杂志 (liǎng běn zázhì) - two magazines
5. Polite People Counter (位 - wèi)
位 (wèi) is a polite and respectful measure word specifically for people. It conveys deference, especially when referring to esteemed individuals like teachers, doctors, or guests.
  • Example: 一位老师 (yí wèi lǎoshī) - one teacher (polite)
  • Example: 两位客人 (liǎng wèi kèren) - two guests (polite)
  • Example: 谢谢这位先生。(Xièxie zhè wèi xiānsheng.) - Thank this gentleman.
6. Not Even One: Emphatic Negation (连...都不 - lián...dōu bù)
This structure is used to emphasize that not even a single item or person exists or performs an action. The basic pattern is: 连 + Number + Measure Word + Noun + 都 + 不/没 + Verb.
  • Example: 他连一个苹果都没有。(Tā lián yí gè píngguǒ dōu méi yǒu.) - He doesn't even have one apple.
  • Example: 我连一张票都买不到。(Wǒ lián yì zhāng piào dōu mǎi bú dào.) - I can't even buy one ticket.
  • Example: 今天连一位学生都没来。(Jīntiān lián yí wèi xuéshēng dōu méi lái.) - Not even one student came today.

Common Mistakes

✗ 我有三苹果。 (Wǒ yǒu sān píngguǒ.)
✓ 我有三个苹果。 (Wǒ yǒu sān gè píngguǒ.)
Why: Chinese almost always requires a measure word between the number and the noun.
✗ 我有一只书。 (Wǒ yǒu yì zhī shū.)
✓ 我有一本书。 (Wǒ yǒu yì běn shū.)
Why: Different nouns require specific measure words. 只 (zhī) is for animals, 本 (běn) is for books.
✗ 那个老师来了。 (Nà gè lǎoshī lái le.)
✓ 那位老师来了。 (Nà wèi lǎoshī lái le.)
Why: While 个 (gè) is technically acceptable for people, 位 (wèi) is more polite and respectful, especially when referring to someone like a teacher.
✗ 他连一个钱都没有。 (Tā lián yí gè qián dōu méi yǒu.)
✓ 他连一分钱都没有。 (Tā lián yì fēn qián dōu méi yǒu.) (Or 连一毛钱都没有)
Why: While «钱» (qián) is money, when saying
not even one coin/cent,
a specific smaller unit of currency like 分 (fēn - cent) or 毛 (máo - 1/10 yuan) is more natural and emphatic, or you can just say «他连钱都没有» (He doesn't even have money). For
not even one item
, you need a specific measure word for the item itself. If counting pieces of currency, you'd use 块 (kuài) or 毛 (máo) or 分 (fēn). For an abstract
one unit of money
, it's usually not «一个钱».
✗ 我有二本书。 (Wǒ yǒu èr běn shū.)
✓ 我有两本书。 (Wǒ yǒu liǎng běn shū.)
Why: When two is followed by a measure word, you almost always use 两 (liǎng), not 二 (èr). 二 (èr) is used for numbers like number two, «20», «22», or in mathematical contexts.

Real Conversations

Conversation 1:

A

A

你有几个苹果？

Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè píngguǒ?

B

B

我有三个苹果。

Wǒ yǒu sān gè píngguǒ.

A

A

好的，谢谢！

Hǎo de, xièxie!

Translation:

A

A

How many apples do you have?
B

B

I have three apples.
A

A

Okay, thank you!

Conversation 2:

A

A

你家有几只狗？

Nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ zhī gǒu?

B

B

我家有两只狗和一只猫。

Wǒ jiā yǒu liǎng zhī gǒu hé yì zhī māo.

A

A

哇，好可爱！

Wa, hǎo kě'ài!

Translation:

A

A

How many dogs do you have at home?
B

B

I have two dogs and one cat at home.
A

A

Wow, so cute!

Conversation 3:

A

A

办公室里有几位老师？

Bàngōngshì lǐ yǒu jǐ wèi lǎoshī?

B

B

对不起，今天连一位老师都没来。

Duìbuqǐ, jīntiān lián yí wèi lǎoshī dōu méi lái.

A

A

哦，我知道了。

Ō, wǒ zhīdào le.

Translation:

A

A

How many teachers are in the office?
B

B

Sorry, not even one teacher came today.
A

A

Oh, I see.

Quick FAQ

Q

Why do Chinese people use measure words?

Measure words are a fundamental part of Chinese grammar. They serve to categorize nouns and make counting specific, much like how in English we might say

a *piece* of paper
or
a *herd* of cattle,
but Chinese applies this concept to almost every countable noun. They add precision and structure to the language.

Q

Is «个 (gè)» always safe to use if I don't know the correct measure word?

For A1 learners, 个 (gè) is often a convenient default measure word if you completely forget the specific one. While it might not always be perfectly correct or sound natural for every noun, it is generally understood and the most versatile. However, it's best to learn the specific measure words as you encounter new nouns for accuracy and fluency.

Q

When do I use «两 (liǎng)» instead of «二 (èr)» for the number two?

You should almost always use 两 (liǎng) when the number two is followed by a measure word (e.g., 两个人 liǎng gè rén, 两本书 liǎng běn shū). 二 (èr) is used when counting numbers by themselves (like in phone numbers, erling), when two is part of a larger number (like 二十 èrshí for twenty), or in certain numerical contexts (e.g., 星期二 xīngqī'èr for Tuesday).

Q

What about «连...都不 (lián...dōu bù)»? Does it always mean not even one?

The structure 连...都不 (lián...dōu bù) translates to not even... and is used for emphatic negation. When you include a number and measure word like 连一个... (lián yí gè...), it specifically means not even one. However, the structure can also be used with other phrases to say not even big, not even good, etc., but for A1, focus on its use with numbers to express not even one of something.

Cultural Context

The prevalence of measure words in Chinese is not merely a grammatical rule; it reflects a distinct way of perceiving and categorizing the world. Unlike many Western languages that might treat a paper as a single unit, Chinese meticulously defines it as «一张纸» (yì zhāng zhǐ), literally
one sheet of paper,
highlighting its flat characteristic. This linguistic precision underscores a cultural tendency towards specificity and detailed observation.
Furthermore, the use of 位 (wèi) as a polite measure word for people, in contrast to the more general 个 (gè), is a beautiful illustration of Chinese cultural values. It demonstrates an ingrained respect for elders, teachers, and guests, where the language itself provides a mechanism to express deference and formality. This mirrors the broader societal emphasis on hierarchy, politeness, and harmonious social interactions, making measure words not just tools for counting, but windows into cultural nuances.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

我有一个妹妹。

Tengo una hermana menor.

El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)
2

我要三个。

Quiero tres.

El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)
3

{我|wǒ} {买|mǎi} {了|le} {一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}。

Compré un libro.

Contar libros y revistas (běn)
4

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {杂志|zázhì} {很|hěn} {好看|hǎokàn}。

Esta revista es muy buena (de leer).

Contar libros y revistas (běn)
5

请给我{一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ}。

Por favor, dame una hoja de papel.

Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)
6

我买了{两张电影票|liǎng zhāng dìtǐng piào}。

Compré dos boletos de cine.

Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)
7

{这里有三位老师。|Zhèlǐ yǒu sān wèi lǎoshī.}

Aquí hay tres profesores.

Contar personas con respeto (位 wèi)
8

{这位客人想点菜。|Zhè wèi kèrén xiǎng diǎncài.}

Este cliente quiere pedir la comida.

Contar personas con respeto (位 wèi)

Consejos y trucos (4)

💡

El salvavidas universal

Si olvidas el clasificador específico de algo (como una mesa o un coche), usa 个. Te entenderán perfecto: «一个桌子».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)
💡

El Plan B

Si olvidas el clasificador específico, usa «个». Es mejor que nada, aunque suene simple: «一个手机».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar en chino: La magia de los clasificadores (`个`, `本`, `张`)
⚠️

La regla del 'Dos'

¡Ojo! Nunca digas '二本' (èr běn). Para decir que tienes dos cosas, siempre usamos 'liǎng': «我有两本书。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros y revistas (běn)
💡

La prueba de la 'hoja'

Si el objeto parece una 'lámina' o 'plancha', seguro usa 张. Por ejemplo: «一张照片».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)

Vocabulario clave (7)

苹果(píngguǒ) apple 猫(māo) cat 纸(zhǐ) paper 书(shū) book 老师(lǎoshī) teacher 钱(qián) money 咖啡(kāfēi) coffee

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

At the Bookstore

Review Summary

  • Number + 个(gè) + Noun
  • Number + 只(zhī) + Noun
  • Number + 张(zhāng) + Noun
  • 连(lián) + Number + Measure Word + Noun + 都(dōu) + 不(bù) + Verb
  • Number + 本(běn) + Noun
  • Number + 位(wèi) + Noun

Errores comunes

In English we say 'one apple', but in Chinese, you MUST have a measure word between the number and the noun.

Wrong: 一苹果 (yī píngguǒ)
Correcto: 一个苹果 (yí gè píngguǒ)

When counting 'two' of something with a measure word, always use 两(liǎng) instead of 二(èr).

Wrong: 二只猫 (èr zhī māo)
Correcto: 两只猫 (liǎng zhī māo)

While 个(gè) is universal, using the specific measure word 本(běn) for books is required for basic fluency.

Wrong: 五个书 (wǔ gè shū)
Correcto: 五本书 (wǔ běn shū)

Reglas en este capítulo (8)

1

El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)

A1
Piensa en «个» como un puente obligatorio entre números y cosas; sin él, la frase se rompe.
我有一个妹妹。
10 ejemplos
2

Contar en chino: La magia de los clasificadores (`个`, `本`, `张`)

A1
En chino no puedes contar cosas directamente; necesitas un 'clasificador' que une el número con el objeto, como «个», «本» o «张».
I have one younger sister.
10 ejemplos
3

Contar libros y revistas (běn)

A1
Usa siempre el clasificador «本» (běn) cuando quieras contar o señalar libros, revistas y materiales encuadernados.
{我|wǒ} {买|mǎi} {了|le} {一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}...
10 ejemplos
4

Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)

A1
Usa 张 (zhāng) para todo lo que sea plano, delgado o con superficie amplia, como papel, fotos o mesas.
请给我{一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ}。
12 ejemplos
5

Contar personas con respeto (位 wèi)

A1
Usa «位» para mostrar respeto a los demás; usa «个» para ti mismo y situaciones casuales.
{这里有三位老师。|Zhèlǐ yǒu sān wèi lǎoshī.}
10 ejemplos
6

Contar animales: Usando 只 (zhī)

A1
Usa «只» (zhī) como tu herramienta mágica para contar animales pequeños, aves, insectos y
partes de un par
.
我家有一只猫。
10 ejemplos
7

Contar cosas: Clasificadores esenciales (量词)

A1
Los clasificadores son como 'pegamento' obligatorio que une números con objetos: usa «个» para casi todo, «本» para libros y «两» para decir dos.
我想买一本书。
10 ejemplos
8

Ni Siquiera Uno: Negación Enfática (连...都不)

A1
Resalta que hay 'cero' de algo poniendo un + clasificador o un poquito antes del verbo negativo.
I didn't drink a single cup of coffee.
10 ejemplos

Next Steps

You've just climbed one of the most important hills in Chinese grammar! Measure words might feel new, but they quickly become second nature. Keep counting!

Label items in your room with their number and correct measure word.

Count the animals you see in a picture book using 只(zhī).

Continue to: Pinyin, Tones, and Location

Práctica rápida (10)

Encuentra y corrige el error.

请给我一张书。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 请给我一本书。
Los libros son objetos encuadernados y usan el clasificador '本' (běn), no '张' (zhāng).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)

Rellena el espacio con el contador más respetuoso para un profesor.

{那___老师在教室里。|Nà ___ lǎoshī zài jiàoshì lǐ.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 位
Como 'profesor' es una profesión respetada, 'wèi' es la opción más apropiada y educada.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar personas con respeto (位 wèi)

Encuentra la palabra que falta.

我要三汉堡。(Quiero tres hamburguesas).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我要三个汉堡。
No puedes decir 'Número + Sustantivo'. Debes poner '个' en medio.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)

Selecciona la frase gramaticalmente correcta para 'dos personas'.

¿Cuál es correcta?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两个人 (liǎng ge rén)
Para contar cantidades de dos, siempre usamos 两 (liǎng), nunca 二 (èr).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)

Rellena el espacio con el clasificador correcto.

我有三___书。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 本
Para libros, siempre usamos 'běn'. 'Gè' es general y 'zhāng' es para objetos planos como papel.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros y revistas (běn)

Selecciona la forma correcta para adjetivos.

¿Cómo se dice 'No estoy nada cansado'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我一点儿也不累。
Como '累' (cansado) es un adjetivo, debes usar '一点儿' (un poquito) en lugar de un clasificador de objetos.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ni Siquiera Uno: Negación Enfática (连...都不)

Llena el espacio en blanco con el clasificador correcto.

我有三___照片。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 张
Las fotos son objetos planos, por lo que requieren el clasificador '张' (zhāng).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)

Rellena el espacio con la frase correcta.

Tengo un hermano mayor. = 我有___哥哥。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一个
Necesitas el número (一) seguido del clasificador (个) antes del sustantivo.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El contador universal de "cosas": 个 (gè)

Encuentra y corrige el error.

Find and fix the mistake:

我买了一个杂志。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我买了一本杂志。
Las revistas son objetos encuadernados, por lo que deben usar 'běn' en lugar del general 'gè'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros y revistas (běn)

¿Cuál oración es correcta?

Elige la oración gramaticalmente correcta para 'dos boletos':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两张票
Al contar 'dos' de algo con un clasificador, usamos '两' (liǎng) y para boletos usamos '张' (zhāng).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Clasificador para objetos planos (张 - zhāng)

Score: /10

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

Porque el chino necesita unidades, como decir 'tres piezas de manzana': «三个红苹果».
Se dice rápido y suave, casi sin tono: «这个很好吃».
Los sustantivos chinos no tienen plural. El clasificador aclara que estás contando y da pistas sobre la forma del objeto: «三个人».
¡No! En español dices 'este libro', pero en chino debes decir 'este [clasificador] libro': «这本书».
Técnicamente te entenderán, pero suena muy informal y poco natural. Intenta usar siempre «本».
No. Para hojas sueltas o tickets, usa «张» (zhāng). «本» es solo para cosas con lomo.
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