A2 · Elemental Capítulo 1

Pointing and Basic Counting

7 Reglas totales
71 ejemplos
6 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of identifying and counting everyday objects with precision using Chinese measure words.

  • Point to objects using specific demonstrative structures.
  • Apply correct measure words for books, flat items, and handled tools.
  • Order drinks confidently using containers as counting units.
Point, count, and connect like a native speaker.

Lo que aprenderás

Alright, friend, ready to level up? You’ve already mastered the basics of Chinese, and now it’s time to start sounding like a native speaker! In this chapter, we’re going to dive into how to point to things using 'this' (这) and 'that' (那), but not just any old way. Chinese uses special 'measure words' for almost everything you count, and this section is your key to unlocking that crucial layer of fluency. You'll discover that for books and bound materials, you always use 本 (běn), not a generic placeholder! Or how 张 (zhāng) is your go-to for flat objects like tickets, photos, or even tables. Ever wanted to order drinks like a local? This chapter will teach you to seamlessly count cups of tea or bottles of water using 杯 (bēi) and 瓶 (píng), making your Chinese sound incredibly natural. Imagine yourself in a bustling Chinese cafe, confidently ordering

two cups of coffee,
or in a shop, asking for this book or three tickets, please. By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to precisely identify and count everyday items, articulate quantities with confidence, and truly connect with Chinese speakers. Get ready to embrace these incredibly practical skills and make your conversations flow!

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 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) with appropriate measure words.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: count physical objects like books, tickets, and chairs using specialized classifiers.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: order multiple drinks in bottles or cups during a real-world transaction.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Welcome back, future Chinese fluency champion! You’ve already tackled the foundational elements of A2 Chinese grammar, and now we're about to unlock a super practical skill that will make your conversations truly shine. This chapter is your essential guide to pointing and basic counting in Chinese, moving beyond simple numbers to embrace the elegance of Chinese measure words.
Mastering these isn't just about correctness; it's about sounding natural, precise, and confident, whether you're in a bustling market or a quiet teahouse.
Why are measure words so crucial? Think of them as the unsung heroes of Chinese grammar. Unlike English, where we often just say three books, Chinese requires a specific classifier or measure word to go between the number (or demonstrative like 'this'/'that') and the noun.
This might seem daunting at first, but it’s a logical system that adds clarity and rhythm to the language. By understanding how to use 这 (zhè, this) and 那 (nà, that) with the correct measure words, you’ll elevate your speaking from basic to genuinely communicative.
This chapter will teach you specific measure words like 本 (běn) for books, 张 (zhāng) for flat objects, 把 (bǎ) for things with handles, and 杯 (bēi) and 瓶 (píng) for drinks. Imagine the satisfaction of confidently ordering
two cups of coffee
(两杯咖啡) or asking for that book (那本书). These skills are fundamental for everyday interactions, making your Chinese A2 journey much more rewarding and your communication incredibly effective.
Let's dive in and make your Chinese sound authentic!

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of pointing and basic counting in Chinese is the structure: Demonstrative/Number + Measure Word + Noun. When you want to say this book or that bottle, you can't just put 这 or 那 directly before the noun. You need a specific measure word (量词, liàngcí) in between.
This is a core concept in A2 Chinese grammar.
Let's break down the rules:
Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words
To say this or that with a noun, the pattern is:
这/那 + Measure Word + Noun
For example, if you want to say this book, you'd use 这 + 本 + 书 (这本书, zhè běn shū). For that cup, it would be 那 + 杯 + 茶 (那杯茶, nà bēi chá).
Counting Books: The Measure Word 本 (běn)
The measure word 本 (běn) is specifically used for books, magazines, notebooks, and other bound materials.
Example

一本书 (yī běn shū) - one book

Example

这本杂志 (zhè běn zá zhì) - this magazine

Counting Flat Objects: The Measure Word 张 (zhāng)
张 (zhāng) is your go-to for flat, thin objects like paper, tickets, photos, tables, and even faces!
Example

三张票 (sān zhāng piào) - three tickets

Example

那张照片 (nà zhāng zhào piàn) - that photo

Measure Word for Handles: 把 (bǎ)
The measure word 把 (bǎ) is used for objects that have a handle, a bunch of something, or can be grasped. Common examples include chairs, umbrellas, knives, and even a handful of rice.
Example

一把椅子 (yī bǎ yǐ zi) - one chair

Example

这把伞 (zhè bǎ sǎn) - this umbrella

Counting Cups: Using 杯 (bēi) for Drinks
When ordering or talking about drinks in cups, 杯 (bēi) is the measure word.
Example

两杯咖啡 (liǎng bēi kā fēi) - two cups of coffee

Example

这杯水 (zhè bēi shuǐ) - this cup of water

Counting Bottles: How to use 瓶 (píng)
For drinks or liquids sold in bottles, 瓶 (píng) is the correct measure word.
Example

一瓶啤酒 (yī píng pí jiǔ) - one bottle of beer

Example

那瓶可乐 (nà píng kě lè) - that bottle of cola

Understanding these specific Chinese measure words is key to sounding natural and precise at the A2 Chinese level.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 这书 (zhè shū)
✓ Correct: 这本书 (zhè běn shū)
*Explanation:* In Chinese, you almost always need a measure word between a demonstrative (like 这 or 那) and a noun. Omitting it is a very common Chinese grammar error for beginners.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 三本票 (sān běn piào)
✓ Correct: 三张票 (sān zhāng piào)
*Explanation:* While 本 is for books, 票 (ticket) is a flat object, so it correctly uses the measure word 张. Using the wrong measure word is a frequent mistake when learning A2 Chinese.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 我要两瓶咖啡 (wǒ yào liǎng píng kā fēi) (if you mean two cups)
✓ Correct: 我要两杯咖啡 (wǒ yào liǎng bēi kā fēi)
*Explanation:* This highlights the distinction between 杯 (cup) and 瓶 (bottle). While coffee *can* come in a bottle, usually when ordering in a cafe, you'd ask for cups of coffee. Be mindful of the context!

Real Conversations

A

A

请问，这本书多少钱？ (Qǐngwèn, zhè běn shū duōshǎo qián?) (Excuse me, how much is this book?)
B

B

这本书三十块。 (Zhè běn shū sānshí kuài.) (This book is thirty kuai.)
A

A

你想喝什么？ (Nǐ xiǎng hē shénme?) (What do you want to drink?)
B

B

我想喝一杯茶和一瓶水。 (Wǒ xiǎng hē yī bēi chá hé yī píng shuǐ.) (I'd like a cup of tea and a bottle of water.)
A

A

我们可以买两张票吗？ (Wǒ men kě yǐ mǎi liǎng zhāng piào ma?) (Can we buy two tickets?)
B

B

可以，请稍等。 (Kě yǐ, qǐng shāo děng.) (Yes, please wait a moment.)

Quick FAQ

Q

Why are measure words so crucial in Chinese grammar?

Measure words are essential because they provide specificity and structure to nouns, indicating the type or category of the item being counted or pointed to. They are a fundamental part of how nouns are expressed in Chinese.

Q

Can I always use 个 (gè) if I don't know the specific measure word?

While 个 (gè) is the most common and versatile measure word, and often understood even when another specific measure word is more appropriate, it's best to learn and use the correct specific measure words. Using 个 for everything will make your Chinese sound less natural and less precise, especially at the A2 Chinese level and beyond.

Q

What's the difference between 这 and 那?

这 (zhè) means this and refers to something close to the speaker, similar to here. 那 (nà) means that and refers to something further away from the speaker, similar to there.

Q

Are there any regional differences in using these basic measure words?

For these common measure words like 本, 张, 杯, 瓶, usage is generally consistent across different Mandarin-speaking regions. However, for more obscure measure words or specific regional items, there might be slight variations.

Cultural Context

Using correct Chinese measure words isn't just about grammatical accuracy; it's a sign of politeness and fluency. Native speakers appreciate when learners make the effort to use the right classifiers, as it shows respect for the language's structure. Confidently asking for «那把椅子» (that chair) or «两瓶啤酒» (two bottles of beer) helps you sound more integrated into daily Chinese life, making your interactions smoother and more authentic.
It's a small detail that makes a big difference in how your A2 Chinese communication is perceived.

Ejemplos clave (2)

1

{我要|Wǒ yào} {两|liǎng} {张|zhāng} {电影票|diànyǐng piào}。

Quiero dos entradas para el cine.

Contando objetos planos: El clasificador 张 (zhāng)
2

{这|Zhè} {张|zhāng} {照片|zhàopiàn} {太|tài} {美|měi} {了|le}！

¡Esta foto es tan hermosa!

Contando objetos planos: El clasificador 张 (zhāng)

Consejos y trucos (4)

💡

Aprende sustantivos y clasificadores en pareja

No memorices solo 'libro', apréndelo como «一本书». Así, cuando quieras decir 'este libro', te saldrá natural decir «这本书».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Señalando con Palabras: Usando 这/那 con Palabras de Medida
🎯

La regla del dos

¡Ojo! Si tienes dos libros, olvida el 'èr' (二) y usa siempre 'liǎng' (两): «我有两本中文书。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros: El clasificador (běn)
💡

Piensa en la superficie

Si puedes poner tu mano plana sobre el objeto (como una mesa o papel), probablemente usa 张. «给我一张纸巾。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contando objetos planos: El clasificador 张 (zhāng)
⚠️

La trampa del 'dos'

¡Cuidado! Nunca uses {二|èr} con {杯|bēi} al contar objetos. Siempre es {两杯|liǎng bēi}. «请给我两杯水。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contando tazas: Uso de {杯|bēi} para bebidas

Vocabulario clave (8)

这(zhè) this 那(nà) that 书(shū) book 张(zhāng) classifier for flat objects 把(bǎ) classifier for handled objects 咖啡(kāfēi) coffee 水(shuǐ) water 两(liǎng) two (used with measure words)

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

At the Bookstore Cafe

Review Summary

  • 这/那 (zhè/nà) + MW + Noun
  • Number/这/那 + 本 (běn) + 书
  • Number/这/那 + 张 (zhāng) + Noun
  • Number/这/那 + 把 (bǎ) + Noun
  • Number + 杯/瓶 (bēi/píng) + Liquid

Errores comunes

You cannot skip the specific measure word or use 'one' (yī) as a substitute for the measure word after 'this' (zhè).

Wrong: 这一书 (zhè yī shū)
Correcto: 这本书 (zhè běn shū)

When counting 'two' of something with a measure word, 'èr' changes to 'liǎng'.

Wrong: 二杯咖啡 (èr bēi kāfēi)
Correcto: 两杯咖啡 (liǎng bēi kāfēi)

In Chinese, demonstratives (this/that) almost always require a measure word before the noun.

Wrong: 那书 (nà shū)
Correcto: 那本书 (nà běn shū)

Reglas en este capítulo (7)

1

Señalando con Palabras: Usando 这/那 con Palabras de Medida

A2
Para decir 'esto' o 'aquello' en chino, necesitas usar el patrón
esto/eso + clasificador + cosa
.
{这本书很有意思。|Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu yìsi.}
10 ejemplos
2

Contar libros: El clasificador (běn)

A2
Usa siempre «本» (běn) para libros y cosas encuadernadas en lugar del genérico «个» (gè).
Wǒ mǎile sān běn xīn shū.
10 ejemplos
3

Contando objetos planos: El clasificador 张 (zhāng)

A2
Usa «张» (zhāng) para cualquier cosa plana como «票» (tickets) o «照片» (fotos), y muebles con superficie.
{我要|Wǒ yào} {两|liǎng} {张|zhāng} {电影票|diànyǐ...
11 ejemplos
4

Contando tazas: Uso de {杯|bēi} para bebidas

A2
Usa {杯|bēi} como el 'puente' mágico entre el número y cualquier bebida en taza o vaso: «一杯», «两杯», «这杯».
{我要一杯拿铁。|Wǒ yào yī bēi nátiě.}
10 ejemplos
5

Contar tazas y botellas (杯 & 瓶)

A2
Cuenta líquidos por su envase usando Número + «杯» o «瓶» + Sustantivo para sonar como un nativo.
我想安一两杯冰红茶。
10 ejemplos
6

Contar botellas: Cómo usar 瓶 (píng)

A2
Usa «瓶» para contar líquidos u objetos en botella siguiendo el orden: número + «瓶» + sustantivo.
我要一瓶矿泉水。
10 ejemplos
7

Clasificador para cosas con asas (把 bǎ)

A2
Usa «把» en lugar de «个» cuando cuentes cosas que agarras físicamente por un mango o asa.
I bought a new umbrella.
10 ejemplos

Next Steps

You've just unlocked a major part of Chinese grammar! Measure words feel like a secret code, and you're already cracking it. Keep up the amazing work!

Label items in your room using sticky notes with the correct measure word.

Practice ordering 3 different drinks aloud using 'liǎng' for two.

Continue to: Describing Clothes and Transport

Práctica rápida (3)

¿Qué frase dice correctamente 'dos revistas'?

Elige la frase correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两本杂志
Al contar, usa 'liǎng' en lugar de 'èr', y 'běn' para revistas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros: El clasificador (běn)

Completa con el clasificador correcto para 'libro'.

我有一___书。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 本
Usamos '本' para cualquier cosa encuadernada, como un libro.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros: El clasificador (běn)

Encuentra y corrige el error en esta frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

这个字典很大。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 推本字典很大。
Los diccionarios son volúmenes encuadernados, por lo que requieren el clasificador '本'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Contar libros: El clasificador (běn)

Score: /3

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

Es una palabra que el chino exige para 'medir' o categorizar un sustantivo cuando usas números o palabras como 'este' o 'ese'. Es como decir
una pieza de papel
.
Porque la gramática china necesita un 'puente' para conectar el demostrativo con el objeto. Lo correcto es «这本书 (zhè běn shū)».
¡Sí! Como está encuadernada y tiene muchas páginas, decimos «我有一本电话簿».
Mientras esté encuadernado (como un folleto), «本» sigue siendo la opción correcta. El tamaño no importa.
Te entenderán, pero sonarás como un niño pequeño. Es mejor usar «张» para sonar fluido. «我要一张票。»
Se trata del área de la superficie. Una cama es básicamente una plataforma plana para acostarse. «两张床。»
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Describing Clothes and Transport
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