A1 Measure Words 14 min read Easy

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

Chinese nouns cannot be counted directly; they require specific 'measure words' to bridge the gap between numbers and objects.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

In Chinese, you cannot count nouns directly; you must use a 'measure word' as a bridge between numbers and objects.

  • Use 'Number + Measure Word + Noun' for counting: {三|sān} {个|gè} {人|rén} (three people).
  • The word {个|gè} is the 'universal' measure word if you forget the specific one.
  • Measure words are required even for singular items: {一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū} (one book).
Number + Measure Word + Noun = 🔢 + 📏 + 🍎

Overview

In English, you can say "one book" or "three tables." The number connects directly to the noun. In Mandarin Chinese, this direct connection is grammatically incomplete. To count any noun, you must insert a specific word between the number and the noun itself.

This intermediary word is called a measure word (量词, liàngcí).

Think of it as a sorting system for the entire world. Every noun belongs to a category, and the measure word is the label for that category. When you count something, you are not just indicating quantity; you are also classifying the object based on its inherent characteristics—its shape, function, or the group it belongs to.

For instance, you use one measure word for flat objects like tables and paper, and a different one for bound items like books and magazines. This feature is a core component of what linguists call a "classifier language."

For a beginner, this might seem like an unnecessary complication. Why can't you just say yī shū for "one book"? The reason is that, to a native speaker, the absence of a measure word makes the phrase feel incomplete and jarring, much like saying "I have loaf of bread" instead of "I have a loaf of bread" in English.

The key difference is that English uses these counters selectively (mostly for uncountable nouns), whereas Chinese requires them for all nouns being counted. Mastering measure words is not an advanced skill; it is a fundamental step toward speaking and understanding basic Chinese.

This guide focuses on three of the most essential measure words for an A1 learner: 个 (gè), the all-purpose counter; 本 (běn), for bound materials; and 张 (zhāng), for flat-surfaced objects. Understanding how and why these are used will build a strong foundation for learning dozens more as you progress.

How This Grammar Works

The primary function of a measure word is to bridge the gap between a number and a noun. It provides essential information about the type of noun being quantified. The choice of measure word is not random; it is logically determined by the physical or conceptual properties of the noun.
Let’s analyze the logic behind our three focus words:
  • 个 (gè): This is the most common measure word in Chinese and can be considered a 'general' or 'default' classifier. It is used for a vast range of objects, abstract concepts, and, most notably, people. For example, 一个人 (yī gè rén) means "one person." While it can sometimes be used as a substitute when you don't know the specific measure word, its correct use is for nouns that don't have a more precise classifier, such as 问题 (wèntí) (question) or 苹果 (píngguǒ) (apple).
  • 本 (běn): The character 本 originally depicted a tree with its roots marked, signifying origin or foundation. This evolved to refer to things with a root or binding. Consequently, 本 (běn) is the measure word for bound items. Think of books, magazines, dictionaries, and albums. Anything that consists of pages bound together will almost certainly use 本 (běn). For example, 一本书 (yī běn shū) is "one book."
  • 张 (zhāng): The character 张 historically relates to stretching a bow, which creates a flat, taut surface. This imagery directly translates to its function as a measure word for objects with flat surfaces. You use 张 (zhāng) for things like paper, tables, tickets, photos, and beds. For instance, 一张桌子 (yī zhāng zhuōzi) means "one table." It helps to visualize the object: if it's primarily a flat plane, 张 (zhāng) is your likely choice.
This system forces the speaker to actively categorize the noun. The structure is not just about quantity; it's an integrated part of describing the object. The measure word and the noun have a strong semantic relationship.
You will also use these words with demonstratives like 这 (zhè) (this) and 那 (nà) (that). The phrase 这本书 (zhè běn shū) (this book) is grammatically complete, whereas 这书 (zhè shū) is not.

Formation Pattern

1
The basic structure for counting nouns in Chinese is consistent and straightforward. You simply place the measure word after the number and before the noun. This core pattern can be adapted for demonstratives (this/that) and questions (how many).
2
1. Counting with a Number
3
The most common formation is Number + Measure Word + Noun.
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| Structure | Number | Measure Word | Noun | Pinyin & Translation |
5
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| 一 + 个 + 人 | 一 (yī) | 个 (gè) | 人 (rén) | yī gè rén (one person) |
7
| 三 + 本 + 书 | 三 (sān) | 本 (běn) | 书 (shū) | sān běn shū (three books) |
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| 五 + 张 + 纸 | 五 (wǔ) | 张 (zhāng) | 纸 (zhǐ) | wǔ zhāng zhǐ (five pieces of paper) |
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Important Rule: Using 两 (liǎng) for "Two"
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When you are counting a quantity of two items, you must use 两 (liǎng) instead of 二 (èr). The number 二 (èr) is reserved for ordinal numbers (like "second"), phone numbers, and large numerical sequences.
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Correct: 两个朋友 (liǎng gè péngyǒu) - two friends
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Incorrect: 二个朋友 (èr gè péngyǒu)
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Correct: 两本书 (liǎng běn shū) - two books
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Incorrect: 二本书 (èr běn shū)
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2. Pointing with Demonstratives (这 and 那)
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When using "this" (这, zhè) or "that" (那, nà), the measure word is still required. The structure is Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun.
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| Structure | Demonstrative | Measure Word | Noun | Pinyin & Translation |
18
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| 这 + 个 + 学生 | 这 (zhè) | 个 (gè) | 学生 (xuéshēng) | zhè ge xuéshēng (this student) |
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| 那 + 本 + 杂志 | 那 (nà) | 本 (běn) | 杂志 (zázhì) | nà běn zázhì (that magazine) |
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| 这 + 张 + 照片 | 这 (zhè) | 张 (zhāng) | 照片 (zhàopiàn) | zhè zhāng zhàopiàn (this photo) |
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3. Asking "How Many?" with 几 (jǐ)
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To ask about a quantity (usually under 10), you use the question word 几 (jǐ). It replaces the number in the standard formation. The structure is 几 (jǐ) + Measure Word + Noun.
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你家有几个人？ (Nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ gè rén?) - How many people are in your family?
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桌上有几本书？ (Zhuō shàng yǒu jǐ běn shū?) - How many books are on the table?
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你需要几张票？ (Nǐ xūyào jǐ zhāng piào?) - How many tickets do you need?
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This pattern is essential for basic questions and answers. For example, to answer 你有几本书？(Nǐ yǒu jǐ běn shū?), you would reply using the corresponding structure: 我有五本书。(Wǒ yǒu wǔ běn shū.)

When To Use It

Measure words are not an optional feature; they are a mandatory part of everyday Chinese. You will encounter and use them in nearly every situation that involves identifying or quantifying a noun. Their use is pervasive, from casual conversation to formal writing.
1. Counting and Quantifying Objects
This is the most direct application. Whenever you state the quantity of an item, the measure word is the essential link.
  • I have a cat: 我有一只猫。(Wǒ yǒu yī zhī māo.) (using 只/zhī for animals)
  • He bought three tickets: 他买了三张票。(Tā mǎi le sān zhāng piào.)
  • We need two tables: 我们需要两张桌子。(Wǒmen xūyào liǎng zhāng zhuōzi.)
2. Shopping and Ordering
When buying anything, from coffee to clothes, you will use measure words to specify the quantity. In a shop or restaurant, you cannot simply state the noun and a number.
  • Ordering at a café: 我要一杯咖啡。(Wǒ yào yī bēi kāfēi.) - I want a cup of coffee. (using 杯/bēi for 'cup')
  • Buying electronics: 这个手机多少钱？(Zhè ge shǒujī duōshǎo qián?) - How much is this phone?
3. Referring to Specific Items with 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)
When you point something out or refer to a specific "this" or "that," the measure word is non-negotiable. Omitting it is a common beginner mistake that immediately sounds unnatural.
  • This book is very interesting: 这本书很有意思。(Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu yìsi.)
  • That person is my teacher: 那个人是我的老师。(Nà ge rén shì wǒ de lǎoshī.)
4. Asking Questions with 几 (jǐ) and 多少 (duōshǎo)
As shown in the formation pattern, asking "how many" with 几 (jǐ) requires a measure word. The same applies when asking about price with 多少钱 (duōshǎo qián), where the measure word is attached to the item being queried.
  • How many students are in your class? 你们班有几个学生？(Nǐmen bān yǒu jǐ ge xuéshēng?)
  • How many photos do you have? 你有几张照片？(Nǐ yǒu jǐ zhāng zhàopiàn?)
5. After the Specifier 每 (měi) for "Every"
When you want to say "every," you use 每 (měi). Just like numbers and demonstratives, 每 (měi) must be followed by a measure word before the noun.
  • Every student: 每个学生 (měi ge xuéshēng)
  • Every book: 每本书 (měi běn shū)
In summary, the trigger for a measure word is the presence of a determiner—a word like a number (一, 两, 三), a demonstrative (这, 那), or a quantifier (几, 每)—placed before a noun.

Common Mistakes

For learners of Chinese, measure words present a few predictable hurdles. Being aware of these common errors is the first step toward avoiding them and developing more natural speech habits.
1. Omitting the Measure Word Entirely
This is the most frequent mistake for English-speaking beginners, as it's a direct translation of an English pattern. A number or demonstrative cannot be placed directly next to a noun.
  • Mistake: 我想买三书。(Wǒ xiǎng mǎi sān shū.)
  • Correction: 我想买三本书。(Wǒ xiǎng mǎi sān běn shū.) (I want to buy three books.)
  • Mistake: 这学生是美国人。(Zhè xuéshēng shì Měiguó rén.)
  • Correction: 这个学生是美国人。(Zhè ge xuéshēng shì Měiguó rén.) (This student is American.)
2. Overusing the General Measure Word 个 (gè)
Because 个 (gè) is so versatile, learners often fall into the trap of using it for every noun. While this is sometimes acceptable in very casual speech or when you've forgotten the correct classifier, relying on it excessively makes your Chinese sound elementary and imprecise. It signals that you have not learned the proper categorization of nouns.
  • Understood, but unnatural: 我有一“个”词典。(Wǒ yǒu yī gè cídiǎn.)
  • Better: 我有一本词典。(Wǒ yǒu yī běn cídiǎn.) (I have a dictionary, using 本 for bound books.)
  • Understood, but unnatural: 请给我一“个”纸。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī gè zhǐ.)
  • Better: 请给我一张纸。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhāng zhǐ.) (Please give me a piece of paper, using 张 for flat objects.)
3. Confusing 二 (èr) and 两 (liǎng)
This is a strict grammatical rule. When specifying a quantity of two items, 两 (liǎng) is required. Using 二 (èr) in this context is always incorrect.
  • Mistake: 我有二个姐姐。(Wǒ yǒu èr gè jiějiě.)
  • Correction: 我有两个姐姐。(Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè jiějiě.) (I have two older sisters.)
  • Mistake: 他喝了二杯茶。(Tā hē le èr bēi chá.)
  • Correction: 他喝了两杯茶。(Tā hē le liǎng bēi chá.) (He drank two cups of tea.)
Remember: 二 (èr) is for numbers in a sequence (e.g., phone numbers, dates, Day 2), while 两 (liǎng) is for counting a total of two.
4. Incorrect Word Order
The English structure "noun + number" (e.g., "Chapter One") does not translate. In Chinese, the number and measure word must always come before the noun they are modifying.
  • Mistake: 学生三个 (xuéshēng sān gè)
  • Correction: 三个学生 (sān gè xuéshēng) (three students)
  • Mistake: 桌子一张 (zhuōzi yī zhāng)
  • Correction: 一张桌子 (yī zhāng zhuōzi) (one table)
Avoiding these four primary mistakes will significantly improve the grammatical accuracy and natural flow of your spoken and written Chinese.

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are useful, but seeing grammar in authentic, modern contexts helps solidify your understanding. Here is how measure words appear in everyday situations.

S

Situation 1

Making Plans via Text Message

Li Jing and Wang Wei are planning to see a movie.*

L

Li Jing

我们晚上去看电影吗？那个新出的科幻片。

(Wǒmen wǎnshàng qù kàn diànyǐng ma? Nà ge xīn chū de kēhuàn piàn.)

(Are we going to the movies tonight? That new sci-fi film.)

W

Wang Wei

好啊！几点？我们需要提前买票吗？

(Hǎo a! Jǐ diǎn? Wǒmen xūyào tíqián mǎi piào ma?)

(Okay! What time? Do we need to buy tickets in advance?)

L

Li Jing

七点半的场次。我来买吧，买两张票。

(Qī diǎn bàn de chǎngcì. Wǒ lái mǎi ba, mǎi liǎng zhāng piào.)

(The 7:30 PM showtime. I'll buy them, two tickets.)

Note:* Li Jing uses 两张票 (liǎng zhāng piào). 张 (zhāng) is used because tickets are flat objects. She also refers to the film as 那个...片 (nà ge...piàn), using 个 (gè) as a general classifier for "that film."

S

Situation 2

At a University Library

A student is at the circulation desk.*

S

Student

老师好，我想借这几本书。

(Lǎoshī hǎo, wǒ xiǎng jiè zhè jǐ běn shū.)

(Hello teacher, I'd like to borrow these few books.)

L

Librarian

好的，请把你的学生卡给我。嗯...这本《中国历史》只能借两个星期。

(Hǎo de, qǐng bǎ nǐ de xuéshēng kǎ gěi wǒ. Ng... zhè běn "Zhōngguó Lìshǐ" zhǐ néng jiè liǎng ge xīngqī.)

(Okay, please give me your student card. Hmm... this book, "Chinese History," can only be borrowed for two weeks.)

S

Student

没问题。谢谢！

(Méi wèntí. Xièxiè!)

(No problem. Thanks!)

Note:* The student uses 这几本书 (zhè jǐ běn shū) (these few books), combining a demonstrative, question word, measure word, and noun. The librarian isolates one book with 这本书 (zhè běn shū).

S

Situation 3

Commenting on a Social Media Post

Someone posts a photo of their new apartment.*

O

Original Post

搬家第一天！ (Bānjiā dì yī tiān!) (First day after moving!)
C

Commenter 1

哇，你的新家好大！那张沙发看起来好舒服！

(Wa, nǐ de xīn jiā hǎo dà! Nà zhāng shāfā kàn qǐlái hǎo shūfú!)

(Wow, your new home is so big! That sofa looks so comfy!)

C

Commenter 2

恭喜！就差一个咖啡机了哈哈

(Gōngxǐ! Jiù chà yī gè kāfēijī le hāhā)

(Congrats! Just missing a coffee machine haha)

Note:* A sofa, being a large object one sits on (a surface), often uses 张 (zhāng). The second commenter uses 一个咖啡机 (yī gè kāfēijī), as 个 (gè) is a common and acceptable classifier for many appliances.

Quick FAQ

Q: Are there really hundreds of measure words? How many do I need to know?

Yes, there are many specialized measure words, but the vast majority are rarely used in daily conversation. For A1-A2 level, learning the 15-20 most common ones will cover over 90% of what you need. Besides 个, 本, and 张, other high-frequency words include 只 (zhī) for animals, 条 (tiáo) for long, thin objects (like rivers or pants), 辆 (liàng) for vehicles, and 位 (wèi) as a polite counter for people.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong measure word? Will people not understand me?

They will almost certainly still understand you, especially if you are clearly a learner. Using the wrong measure word is a common non-native error. However, it will sound incorrect. For example, saying 一张书 (yī zhāng shū) instead of 一本书 (yī běn shū) is like saying "a flat of book" in English—the meaning is guessable, but the form is wrong.

Q: You said 个 (gè) is for people, but I've heard 位 (wèi) used too. What's the difference?

个 (gè) is the neutral, standard counter for people (一个人, 一个朋友). 位 (wèi) is a polite measure word used to show respect. You use it when referring to customers, teachers, bosses, or anyone in a respected position. For example, 一位老师 (yī wèi lǎoshī) (a teacher) or 两位客人 (liǎng wèi kèrén) (two guests).

Q: Do I use a measure word if there's no number? Like for plurals?

Chinese nouns do not typically have a plural form (no "-s"). Plurality is indicated by context or by the number itself. If you say 我有朋友 (Wǒ yǒu péngyǒu), it means "I have friends." If you want to specify a quantity, you must use a number and measure word: 我有三个朋友 (Wǒ yǒu sān gè péngyǒu). You only need a measure word when a determiner (like a number or 这/那) is present.

Q: Can I say 一个本子 (yī gè běnzi)? I thought 本 was the measure word.

This is an excellent question that touches on a nuance. The word 本子 (běnzi) means "notebook." Here, 本 (běn) is part of the noun itself, and 子 (zi) is a common noun suffix. Because 本子 (běnzi) is a noun, it still requires a measure word to be counted. You can say 一个本子 (yī gè běnzi) (one notebook) or, more formally, 一本本子 (yī běn běnzi), where the first 本 is the measure word and the second is part of the noun.

Q: Why don't place names or years use measure words?

Measure words are used to count discrete, individual nouns. Proper nouns like country names (中国, Zhōngguó), people's names (王伟, Wáng Wěi), and abstract concepts of time like years (2023年, èr líng èr sān nián) are unique identifiers and are not 'counted' in the same way. You don't have "three Chinas" in a normal context, so the counting structure isn't applied.

Basic Counting Structure

Number Measure Word Noun Example
{一|yī}
{个|gè}
{人|rén}
{一|yī} {个|gè} {人|rén}
{两|liǎng}
{本|běn}
{书|shū}
{两|liǎng} {本|běn} {书|shū}
{三|sān}
{张|zhāng}
{纸|zhǐ}
{三|sān} {张|zhāng} {纸|zhǐ}
{四|sì}
{个|gè}
{苹|píng} {果|guǒ}
{四|sì} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}
{五|wǔ}
{本|běn}
{杂|zá} {志|zhì}
{五|wǔ} {本|běn} {杂|zá} {志|zhì}
{六|liù}
{张|zhāng}
{桌|zhuō} {子|zi}
{六|liù} {张|zhāng} {桌|zhuō} {子|zi}

Meanings

Measure words (classifiers) are required grammatical particles used to quantify nouns, acting as a bridge between a number and the object being counted.

1

General Counting

Used for most people and general objects.

“{一|yī} {个|gè} {学|xué} {生|shēng}”

“{三|sān} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}”

2

Flat Objects

Used for paper, tables, beds, or photos.

“{一|yī} {张|zhāng} {纸|zhǐ}”

“{两|liǎng} {张|zhāng} {照|zhào} {片|piàn}”

3

Bound Volumes

Used for books, magazines, or dictionaries.

“{一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}”

“{两|liǎng} {本|běn} {杂|zá} {志|zhì}”

Reference Table

Reference table for Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Number + MW + Noun
{三|sān} {个|gè} {人|rén}
Negative
Number + MW + Noun (with {没|méi} {有|yǒu})
{没|méi} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {个|gè} {人|rén}
Question
Number + MW + Noun + {吗|ma}?
{三|sān} {个|gè} {人|rén} {吗|ma}?
How Many
{几|jǐ} + MW + Noun?
{几|jǐ} {个|gè} {人|rén}?
Demonstrative
Zhe/Na + MW + Noun
{这|zhè} {个|gè} {人|rén}
Plural
Number + MW + Noun
{两|liǎng} {个|gè} {人|rén}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{我|wǒ} {拥|yōng} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {著|zhù} {作|zuò}。

{我|wǒ} {拥|yōng} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {著|zhù} {作|zuò}。 (General)

Neutral
{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {书|shū}。

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {书|shū}。 (General)

Informal
{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {书|shū}。

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {书|shū}。 (General)

Slang
{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {书|shū}。

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {本|běn} {书|shū}。 (General)

Measure Word Connections

Measure Word

General

  • {个|gè} people/general

Flat

  • {张|zhāng} paper/table

Books

  • {本|běn} books/magazines
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {一|yī} {个|gè} {朋|péng} {友|yǒu}。

I have one friend.

2

{这|zhè} {是|shì} {一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}。

This is a book.

3

{我|wǒ} {要|yào} {两|liǎng} {个|gè} {汉|hàn} {堡|bǎo}。

I want two burgers.

4

{那|nà} {是|shì} {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {照|zhào} {片|piàn}。

That is a photo.

1

{你|nǐ} {有|yǒu} {几|jǐ} {本|běn} {中|zhōng} {文|wén} {书|shū}？

How many Chinese books do you have?

2

{我|wǒ} {买|mǎi} {了|le} {三|sān} {张|zhāng} {电|diàn} {影|yǐng} {票|piào}。

I bought three movie tickets.

3

{他|tā} {有|yǒu} {两|liǎng} {个|gè} {弟|dì} {弟|di}。

He has two younger brothers.

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ} {很|hěn} {甜|tián}。

This apple is very sweet.

1

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {小|xiǎo} {说|shuō} {我|wǒ} {看|kàn} {过|guò} {两|liǎng} {遍|biàn}。

I have read this novel twice.

2

{请|qǐng} {给|gěi} {我|wǒ} {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {空|kōng} {白|bái} {的|de} {纸|zhǐ}。

Please give me a blank sheet of paper.

3

{他|tā} {是|shì} {一|yī} {个|gè} {很|hěn} {有|yǒu} {才|cái} {华|huá} {的|de} {人|rén}。

He is a very talented person.

4

{这|zhè} {几|jǐ} {本|běn} {杂|zá} {志|zhì} {都|dōu} {是|shì} {新|xīn} {的|de}。

These few magazines are all new.

1

{那|nà} {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {桌|zhuō} {子|zi} {上|shàng} {放|fàng} {着|zhe} {一|yī} {本|běn} {词|cí} {典|diǎn}。

There is a dictionary on that table.

2

{每|měi} {一|yī} {个|gè} {人|rén} {都|dōu} {应|yīng} {该|gāi} {有|yǒu} {一|yī} {个|gè} {梦|mèng} {想|xiǎng}。

Everyone should have a dream.

3

{我|wǒ} {需|xū} {要|yào} {两|liǎng} {张|zhāng} {飞|fēi} {机|jī} {票|piào} {去|qù} {北|běi} {京|jīng}。

I need two plane tickets to Beijing.

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {方|fāng} {案|àn} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} {个|gè} {优|yōu} {点|diǎn}。

This proposal has three advantages.

1

{这|zhè} {一|yī} {本|běn} {厚|hòu} {重|zhòng} {的|de} {历|lì} {史|shǐ} {书|shū} {记|jì} {载|zǎi} {了|le} {那|nà} {段|duàn} {岁|suì} {月|yuè}。

This thick history book records that era.

2

{他|tā} {拿|ná} {出|chū} {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {泛|fàn} {黄|huáng} {的|de} {地|dì} {图|tú}。

He took out a yellowed map.

3

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {问|wèn} {题|tí} {的|de} {本|běn} {质|zhì} {在|zài} {于|yú} {沟|gōu} {通|tōng} {不|bù} {足|zú}。

The essence of this problem lies in poor communication.

4

{我|wǒ} {珍|zhēn} {藏|cáng} {了|le} {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {他|tā} {亲|qīn} {笔|bǐ} {签|qiān} {名|míng} {的|de} {照|zhào} {片|piàn}。

I treasure a photo signed by him.

1

{这|zhè} {一|yī} {个|gè} {细|xì} {微|wēi} {的|de} {差|chā} {别|bié} {往|wǎng} {往|wǎng} {被|bèi} {人|rén} {忽|hū} {略|lüè} {了|le}。

This subtle difference is often overlooked.

2

{那|nà} {一|yī} {本|běn} {古|gǔ} {籍|jí} {是|shì} {无|wú} {价|jià} {之|zhī} {宝|bǎo}。

That ancient book is a priceless treasure.

3

{他|tā} {在|zài} {纸|zhǐ} {上|shàng} {画|huà} {了|le} {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {草|cǎo} {图|tú}。

He drew a sketch on the paper.

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {概|gài} {念|niàn} {在|zài} {当|dāng} {代|dài} {语|yǔ} {境|jìng} {下|xià} {有|yǒu} {新|xīn} {的|de} {含|hán} {义|yì}。

This concept has new meaning in the contemporary context.

Easily Confused

Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`) vs {个|gè} vs {位|wèi}

Both are used for people.

Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`) vs {二|èr} vs {两|liǎng}

Both mean two.

Counting in Chinese: The Magic of Measure Words (`个`, `本`, `张`) vs {张|zhāng} vs {片|piàn}

Both relate to flat things.

Common Mistakes

✗

{三|sān} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}

✓

{三|sān} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}

Missing the measure word.
✗

{二|èr} {个|gè} {人|rén}

✓

{两|liǎng} {个|gè} {人|rén}

Using 'er' instead of 'liang' for counting.
✗

{一|yī} {书|shū}

✓

{一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}

Missing the measure word.
✗

{个|gè} {人|rén}

✓

{一|yī} {个|gè} {人|rén}

Missing the number.
✗

{一|yī} {张|zhāng} {书|shū}

✓

{一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}

Wrong measure word.
✗

{两|liǎng} {张|zhāng} {人|rén}

✓

{两|liǎng} {个|gè} {人|rén}

Wrong measure word.
✗

{几|jǐ} {书|shū}

✓

{几|jǐ} {本|běn} {书|shū}

Missing measure word in question.
✗

{这|zhè} {书|shū}

✓

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {书|shū}

Missing measure word with demonstrative.
✗

{那|nà} {人|rén}

✓

{那|nà} {个|gè} {人|rén}

Missing measure word with demonstrative.
✗

{每|měi} {书|shū}

✓

{每|měi} {一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}

Missing measure word with 'every'.
✗

{一|yī} {个|gè} {书|shū}

✓

{一|yī} {本|běn} {书|shū}

Overusing 'ge' in formal contexts.
✗

{三|sān} {本|běn} {桌|zhuō} {子|zi}

✓

{三|sān} {张|zhāng} {桌|zhuō} {子|zi}

Wrong measure word.
✗

{一|yī} {张|zhāng} {词|cí} {典|diǎn}

✓

{一|yī} {本|běn} {词|cí} {典|diǎn}

Wrong measure word.

Sentence Patterns

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} ___ {个|gè} {朋|péng} {友|yǒu}。

{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {有|yǒu} ___ {本|běn} {书|shū}。

{我|wǒ} {买|mǎi} {了|le} ___ {张|zhāng} {票|piào}。

{他|tā} {有|yǒu} ___ {个|gè} {优|yōu} {点|diǎn}。

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

{两|liǎng} {个|gè} {汉|hàn} {堡|bǎo}

Texting very common

{一|yī} {个|gè} {人|rén} {去|qù}

Job interview common

{三|sān} {个|gè} {优|yōu} {点|diǎn}

Travel common

{两|liǎng} {张|zhāng} {票|piào}

Social media very common

{一|yī} {本|běn} {好|hǎo} {书|shū}

Food delivery app constant

{三|sān} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}

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💡

When in doubt, use {个|gè}

If you forget the specific measure word, {个|gè} is almost always acceptable in casual speech.
⚠️

Don't use {二|èr} for counting

Always use {两|liǎng} when counting objects. {二|èr} is for numbers in a sequence.
🎯

Observe native speakers

Listen to what measure words they use for common objects. It will become second nature.
💬

Respectful classifiers

Use {位|wèi} for people you want to show respect to, like teachers or elders.

Smart Tips

Always use {两|liǎng} instead of {二|èr}.

{二|èr} {个|gè} {人|rén} → {两|liǎng} {个|gè} {人|rén}

Default to {个|gè}.

I don't know the word, so I won't say anything. → {一|yī} {个|gè} [noun]

Use {位|wèi} for people.

{一|yī} {个|gè} {老|lǎo} {师|shī} → {一|yī} {位|wèi} {老|lǎo} {师|shī}

Use {张|zhāng}.

{一|yī} {个|gè} {纸|zhǐ} → {一|yī} {张|zhāng} {纸|zhǐ}

Pronunciation

yī (1st) -> yì (4th) before 4th tone

Tone of {一|yī}

The number {一|yī} changes tone depending on the following word.

liǎng

Tone of {两|liǎng}

Always 3rd tone.

Statement

Number + MW + Noun ↘

Neutral declarative

Question

Number + MW + Noun + {吗|ma} ↗

Yes/No question

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the measure word as a 'container' or 'shape' for the noun. {个|gè} is a generic box, {本|běn} is a book-shaped box, and {张|zhāng} is a flat-sheet box.

Visual Association

Imagine you are at a post office. You have a box ({个|gè}) for people, a bookshelf ({本|běn}) for books, and a flat envelope ({张|zhāng}) for paper.

Rhyme

Number, measure, then the noun, never let the measure down.

Story

I went to the store to buy one book. I said, 'I need one {本|běn} book.' Then I bought a table. I said, 'I need one {张|zhāng} table.' Finally, I bought a friend. I said, 'I need one {个|gè} friend.'

Word Web

{个|gè}{本|běn}{张|zhāng}{几|jǐ}{两|liǎng}{一|yī}

Challenge

Look around your room and label 5 objects using the 'Number + Measure Word + Noun' pattern.

Cultural Notes

Standard Mandarin uses {个|gè} as the default. Using specific measure words is seen as educated.

Similar to Mandarin, but sometimes uses {位|wèi} more frequently for people to show respect.

Cantonese has its own set of classifiers, and they are used even more strictly than in Mandarin.

Measure words evolved from nouns that described the shape or container of the object being counted.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ} {有|yǒu} {几|jǐ} {个|gè} {朋|péng} {友|yǒu}？

“

{你|nǐ} {桌|zhuō} {子|zi} {上|shàng} {有|yǒu} {几|jǐ} {本|běn} {书|shū}？

“

{你|nǐ} {今|jīn} {天|tiān} {买|mǎi} {了|le} {几|jǐ} {张|zhāng} {票|piào}？

“

{你|nǐ} {觉|jué} {得|de} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {方|fāng} {案|àn} {有|yǒu} {几|jǐ} {个|gè} {优|yōu} {点|diǎn}？

Journal Prompts

Describe your desk. What is on it?
Write about your favorite book.
Plan a trip. What do you need to buy?
Discuss the importance of education.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct measure word.

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} ___ {书|shū}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {本|běn}
Books use {本|běn}.
Choose the correct number for counting objects. Multiple Choice

___ {个|gè} {人|rén}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {两|liǎng}
Use {两|liǎng} for counting objects.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{三|sān} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {三|sān} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}
Missing measure word.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {三|sān} {个|gè} {人|rén}
Number + MW + Noun.
Match the noun to the measure word. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {本|běn}, {个|gè}, {张|zhāng}
Correct mapping.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

{这|zhè} ___ {人|rén}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {个|gè}
General classifier for people.
Fill in the blank.

{我|wǒ} {要|yào} {两|liǎng} ___ {照|zhào} {片|piàn}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {张|zhāng}
Photos are flat.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{二|èr} {本|běn} {书|shū}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {两|liǎng} {本|běn} {书|shū}
Use {两|liǎng} for counting.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct measure word.

{我|wǒ} {有|yǒu} {三|sān} ___ {书|shū}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {本|běn}
Books use {本|běn}.
Choose the correct number for counting objects. Multiple Choice

___ {个|gè} {人|rén}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {两|liǎng}
Use {两|liǎng} for counting objects.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{三|sān} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {三|sān} {个|gè} {苹|píng} {果|guǒ}
Missing measure word.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

{个|gè} / {人|rén} / {三|sān}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {三|sān} {个|gè} {人|rén}
Number + MW + Noun.
Match the noun to the measure word. Match Pairs

Book, Person, Paper

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {本|běn}, {个|gè}, {张|zhāng}
Correct mapping.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

{这|zhè} ___ {人|rén}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {个|gè}
General classifier for people.
Fill in the blank.

{我|wǒ} {要|yào} {两|liǎng} ___ {照|zhào} {片|piàn}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {张|zhāng}
Photos are flat.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{二|èr} {本|běn} {书|shū}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {两|liǎng} {本|běn} {书|shū}
Use {两|liǎng} for counting.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{两___鱼|liǎng ___ yú} (Two fish)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 条
Choose the correct phrase. Multiple Choice

How do you say 'this cup of tea'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {这杯茶|zhè bēi chá}
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

three / people / {个|gè} / {三个|sān gè} / {人|rén}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {三个人|sān gè rén}
Translate 'one piece of clothing'. Translation

one piece of clothing

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {一件衣服|yī jiàn yīfu}
Correct the mistake. Error Correction

{五个纸|wǔ gè zhǐ} (Five sheets of paper)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {五张纸|wǔ zhāng zhǐ}
Match the noun to its measure word. Match Pairs

Book / Cat / Coffee / Shirt

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 本 / 只 / 杯 / 件
Which is more polite? Multiple Choice

Referring to three teachers:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {三位老师|sān wèi lǎoshī}
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{那___猫很可爱。|Nà ___ māo hěn kě'ài.} (That cat is cute.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 只
Translate 'two books'. Translation

two books

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {两本书|liǎng běn shū}
Identify the flat object. Multiple Choice

Which of these uses {张|zhāng}?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Table ({桌子|zhuōzi})

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

They act as bridges between numbers and nouns, helping categorize objects.

No, it will sound unnatural and incorrect.

Use {个|gè}. It's the universal classifier.

Yes, when counting objects. {二|èr} is for numbers.

Almost, yes. Even abstract concepts can have them.

Chinese doesn't have plural noun forms; the number + measure word handles it.

No, classifiers can vary significantly by dialect.

Yes, 'this person' is {这|zhè} {个|gè} {人|rén}.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish low

Articles/Quantifiers

Chinese classifiers are mandatory for all counts.

French low

Partitive articles

Chinese classifiers are much more specific to object shape.

German low

None

Chinese requires a classifier for every noun.

Japanese high

Counters (josuushi)

Japanese counters are often suffixes; Chinese classifiers are prefixes.

Arabic low

None

Chinese nouns don't change for plural.

Chinese high

Mandarin

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)
Next
Counting Books and Magazines (běn)

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