A2 · Elementary Chapter 1

Pointing and Basic Counting

7 Total Rules
71 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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.

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

{这本书很有意思。|Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu yìsi.}

This book is very interesting.

Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words
2

{你喜欢那个人吗？|Nǐ xǐhuān nà ge rén ma?}

Do you like that person?

Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words
3

Wǒ mǎile sān běn xīn shū.

I bought three new books.

Counting Books: The Measure Word (běn)
4

Zhè běn zázhì hěn yǒuqù.

This magazine is very interesting.

Counting Books: The Measure Word (běn)
5

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

I want two movie tickets.

Counting Flat Objects: The Measure Word 张 (zhāng)
6

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

This photo is so beautiful!

Counting Flat Objects: The Measure Word 张 (zhāng)
7

{我要一杯拿铁。|Wǒ yào yī bēi nátiě.}

I want a cup of latte.

Counting Cups: Using {杯|bēi} for Drinks
8

{服务员，请给我两杯冰水。|Fúwùyuán, qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng bēi bīngshuǐ.}

Waiter, please give me two glasses of ice water.

Counting Cups: Using {杯|bēi} for Drinks

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Use 个 as a backup

If you forget a measure word, '个' is usually acceptable.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words
💡

Use '两' for two

Always use '两' instead of '二' when counting objects.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Books: The Measure Word (běn)
💡

When in doubt

If you don't know the measure word, {个|gè} is okay, but {张|zhāng} is better for flat things.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Flat Objects: The Measure Word 张 (zhāng)
💡

Use {两|liǎng} for two

Always use {两|liǎng} instead of {二|èr} when counting.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Cups: Using {杯|bēi} for Drinks

Key Vocabulary (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

Common Mistakes

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)
Correct: 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)
Correct: 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)
Correct: 那本书 (nà běn shū)

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

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两本书
Use '两' for quantity.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Books: The Measure Word (běn)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两瓶水
Use 两 for two.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Bottles: How to use 瓶 (píng)

Fill in the correct measure word.

{一|yī} ___ {茶|chá}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {杯|bēi}
Tea is served in a cup.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Cups and Bottles (杯 & 瓶)

Fill in the blank.

我要___杯茶。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一
Use {一|yī} for one.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Cups: Using {杯|bēi} for Drinks

Fill in the blank.

我有一___纸。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 张
Paper is flat.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Flat Objects: The Measure Word 张 (zhāng)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

一咖啡

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一杯咖啡
Need the measure word.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Cups: Using {杯|bēi} for Drinks

Choose the correct demonstrative.

___ (That) 个人是谁？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那
That = 那.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words

Choose the correct measure word.

___刀 (knife)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 把
Knives are held by handles.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Measure Word for Handles (把 bǎ)

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ}{要|yào}{一|yī}{个|gè}{啤|pí}{酒|jiǔ}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ}{要|yào}{一|yī}{瓶|píng}{啤|pí}{酒|jiǔ}
Beer is usually in a bottle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Cups and Bottles (杯 & 瓶)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

我买了一个书。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一个
Should be '一本'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Books: The Measure Word (běn)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Yes, it's a universal measure word, but specific ones sound better.
Use '个' or just point.
You can, but it sounds unnatural. Use '本' for better accuracy.
In Chinese, '两' is used for quantities, while '二' is used for counting numbers.
It is considered a flat surface for sleeping.
Yes, but it sounds less native.
Next Chapter
Describing Clothes and Transport
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