A1 · Beginner Chapter 30

Measure Words: Counting in Chinese

8 Total Rules
82 examples
8 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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.

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

我有一个妹妹。

I have one younger sister.

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)
2

我要三个。

I want three (of them).

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)
3

I have one younger sister.

I have one younger sister.

Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`)
4

Which book do you want to buy?

Which book do you want to buy?

Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`)
5

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

I bought a book.

Counting Books and Magazines (běn)
6

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

This magazine is very good (to read).

Counting Books and Magazines (běn)
7

请给我{一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ}。

Please give me a piece of paper.

Flat Objects Measure Word (张 - zhāng)
8

我买了{两张电影票|liǎng zhāng diànyǐng piào}。

I bought two movie tickets.

Flat Objects Measure Word (张 - zhāng)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

When in doubt, use 个

If you forget the specific classifier, use 个. It is better to be slightly imprecise than to be silent.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)
💡

When in doubt, use {个|gè}

If you forget the specific measure word, {个|gè} is almost always acceptable in casual speech.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`)
💡

Listen for the rhythm

Measure words help create a rhythm in Chinese speech. Listen to how native speakers pause between the number and the noun.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Books and Magazines (běn)
💡

Think Flat

Whenever you see a flat object, say '张' in your head.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Flat Objects Measure Word (张 - zhāng)

Key Vocabulary (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

Common Mistakes

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)
Correct: 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)
Correct: 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)
Correct: 五本书 (wǔ běn shū)

Rules in This Chapter (8)

1

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)

A1
Think of {个|gè} as a mandatory bridge connecting numbers to nouns; without it, the sentence falls apart.
我有一个妹妹。
10 examples
2

Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`)

A1
Chinese nouns cannot be counted directly; they require specific 'measure words' to bridge the gap between numbers and objects.
I have one younger sister.
10 examples
3

Counting Books and Magazines (běn)

A1
Always use the measure word 本 (běn) when counting or pointing to books and bound materials.
{我|wǒ} {买|mǎi} {了|le} {一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}...
10 examples
4

Flat Objects Measure Word (张 - zhāng)

A1
Use 张 (zhāng) for anything flat, thin, or with a wide surface, from paper to tables.
请给我{一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ}。
12 examples
5

Polite People Counter (位 wèi)

A1
Use {位|wèi} to show respect to others; use {个|gè} for yourself and casual situations.
{这里有三位老师。|Zhèlǐ yǒu sān wèi lǎoshī.}
10 examples
6

Counting Animals: Using 只 (zhī)

A1
Use 只 (zhī) as the standard measure word for fluffy animals, birds, insects, and single items of pairs.
我家有一只猫。
10 examples
7

Counting Things: Essential Measure Words (量词)

A1
Measure words are mandatory 'classifiers' that link numbers or demonstratives to nouns based on the object's shape or type.
我想买一本书。
10 examples
8

Not Even One: Emphatic Negation (连...都不)

A1
Emphasize zero quantity by placing 'one + measure word' or 'a little bit' before the negative verb.
I didn't drink a single cup of coffee.
10 examples

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

Quick Practice (10)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

我有三苹果。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我有三个苹果
Need measure word.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Things: Essential Measure Words (量词)

Fill in the blank.

他连饭___没吃。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 都
都 is the standard particle here.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Even One: Emphatic Negation (连...都不)

Fill in the blank: 我有___本书。

a) 个 b) 本 c) 张 d) 只

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Books use the measure word 'ben'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Books and Magazines (běn)

Fill in the blank: 那___鸟在飞。

只

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 只
只 is for birds.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Animals: Using 只 (zhī)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

连他不知道。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 连他都不知道
Must include 都.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Even One: Emphatic Negation (连...都不)

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

我是位学生。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我是个学生
Don't use {位|wèi} for yourself.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite People Counter (位 wèi)

Correct the sentence: 我买了一个书。

Find and fix the mistake:

我买了___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一本书
Books use 'ben'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Books and Magazines (běn)

Choose the correct particle.

连他___不知道。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 都
都 is the correct particle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Even One: Emphatic Negation (连...都不)

Fill in the blank: 我有___只猫。

一

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一
Use the number one.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Animals: Using 只 (zhī)

Fill in the blank with the correct measure word.

我有三___苹果。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 个
Apple uses the general measure word.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Things: Essential Measure Words (量词)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Yes, it is the universal classifier. You will be understood, though specific ones sound more natural.
It is a grammatical requirement in Chinese to bridge numbers and nouns.
They act as bridges between numbers and nouns, helping categorize objects.
No, it will sound unnatural and incorrect.
Technically, some people might understand you, but it is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural.
Chinese grammar requires a classifier to categorize nouns when counting. It's a fundamental part of the language.
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Modal Verbs: Expressing Ability and Desire
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Pinyin, Tones, and Location
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