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.
学べること
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!
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言葉で指す:量詞と共に这/那を使う中国語で「これ/あれ」と言うときは、「这/那 + 量詞 + もの」という「3点セット」で話すのがルールです。
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本の数え方:量詞 (běn)本や雑誌など「綴じられたもの」を数えるときは、«个» ではなく «本» を使いましょう。
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平らなものを数える:量詞 张 (zhāng)「フラットなもの(紙・写真)」、「表面が平らな家具(机・ベッド)」、そして「顔や口」には «张» を使いましょう。
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飲み物を数える:{杯|bēi}(〜杯)の使い方数字と飲み物の名前に「橋」を架けるイメージで «杯» を使いましょう。特に「2杯」と言うときは «两杯» になるのがポイントです!
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コップと瓶の数え方 (杯 & 瓶)容器に合わせて «杯» や «瓶» を使い分けるのがコツ!「数字 + 量詞 + 名詞」のセットで覚えましょう。
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ボトルの数え方:量詞「瓶 (píng)」の使い方飲み物やボトルのものを数えるときは «瓶 (píng)» を使いましょう。 «数字 + 瓶 + 名詞» のセットで覚えるのがコツですよ!
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取っ手のある物の量詞 (把 bǎ)取っ手があったり、手でギュッと握って使うものを数える時は、 «个» ではなく «把» を使いましょう。
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
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1
By the end you will be able to: correctly use 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) with appropriate measure words.
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By the end you will be able to: count physical objects like books, tickets, and chairs using specialized classifiers.
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3
By the end you will be able to: order multiple drinks in bottles or cups during a real-world transaction.
チャプターガイド
Overview
three books, Chinese requires a specific classifier or measure word to go between the number (or demonstrative like 'this'/'that') and the noun.这 (zhè, this) and 那 (nà, that) with the correct measure words, you’ll elevate your speaking from basic to genuinely communicative.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.How This Grammar Works
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 or that with a noun, the pattern is:这/那 + Measure Word + Nounthis 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).一本书 (yī běn shū) - one book
这本杂志 (zhè běn zá zhì) - this magazine
三张票 (sān zhāng piào) - three tickets
那张照片 (nà zhāng zhào piàn) - that photo
一把椅子 (yī bǎ yǐ zi) - one chair
这把伞 (zhè bǎ sǎn) - this umbrella
两杯咖啡 (liǎng bēi kā fēi) - two cups of coffee
这杯水 (zhè bēi shuǐ) - this cup of water
一瓶啤酒 (yī píng pí jiǔ) - one bottle of beer
那瓶可乐 (nà píng kě lè) - that bottle of cola
Common Mistakes
- 1✗ Wrong: 这书 (zhè shū)
这 or 那) and a noun. Omitting it is a very common Chinese grammar error for beginners.- 1✗ Wrong: 三本票 (sān běn piào)
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✗ Wrong: 我要两瓶咖啡 (wǒ yào liǎng píng kā fēi) (if you mean two cups)
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
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Quick FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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
ヒントとコツ (4)
名詞と量詞はセットで覚えよう
「2冊」のルール
「表面」をイメージして!
「2」のトラップに注意!
重要な語彙 (8)
Real-World Preview
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
よくある間違い
You cannot skip the specific measure word or use 'one' (yī) as a substitute for the measure word after 'this' (zhè).
When counting 'two' of something with a measure word, 'èr' changes to 'liǎng'.
In Chinese, demonstratives (this/that) almost always require a measure word before the noun.
このチャプターのルール (7)
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.