B2 Time Expressions 11 min read Easy

Approximate Numbers: Using {左右|zuǒyòu} (Around/Ish)

Place {左右|zuǒyòu} after a quantity to express an approximate 'around-ish' value for time, age, or measurements.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {左右|zuǒyòu} after a number and measure word to indicate an approximate amount or time.

  • Place {左右|zuǒyòu} after the number and measure word: {三|sān}{个|gè}{左右|zuǒyòu} (about three).
  • It works for time: {五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu} (around 5:00).
  • It can follow age: {二十岁|èrshísuì}{左右|zuǒyòu} (around 20 years old).
Number + Measure Word + {左右|zuǒyòu}

Overview

In Chinese, expressing precision is a choice, not a default. While English often requires a qualifier like "about" or "around" to soften a number, the Chinese language possesses a more integrated and elegant tool for this purpose: 左右(zuǒyòu). Literally translating to "left-right," 左右(zuǒyòu) functions as a postpositional marker that creates a symmetrical margin of error around a stated quantity.

Think of the number as a central point, with 左右(zuǒyòu) indicating a flexible range to its left (less) and right (more). This is fundamentally different from English, where approximators precede the number.

At the B2 level, moving beyond simply knowing what 左右(zuǒyòu) means to understanding why and how it's used is critical for fluency. It reflects a cultural and linguistic preference for conveying practicality over pedantic accuracy in many everyday contexts. Using 左右(zuǒyòu) correctly signals that you grasp not just the grammar, but the pragmatics of the language.

It allows you to give estimates, manage expectations, and speak with a natural-sounding flexibility, whether you're discussing time, cost, or quantity. It is the key to sounding less like a textbook and more like a native speaker navigating the fluid realities of daily life.

How This Grammar Works

The core function of 左右(zuǒyòu) is to modify a number-quantifier phrase. It is not an adverb that modifies a verb, nor can it stand alone. Instead, it must attach directly to the end of a phrase that already contains a specific number and a unit (like a measure word, a unit of time, or currency).
This structure is a type of numerical complement, where 左右(zuǒyòu) complements and refines the meaning of the number preceding it. The resulting meaning is a balanced approximation, implying "a little more or a little less" than the specified number.
For example, if a task takes 一个小时(yī gè xiǎoshí) (one hour), adding 左右(zuǒyòu) transforms it into 一个小时左右(yī gè xiǎoshí zuǒyòu) (about an hour). This implies the actual time could be 50 minutes or perhaps 1 hour and 10 minutes. The range is context-dependent; 十块钱左右(shí kuài qián zuǒyòu) (around 10 RMB) might imply a variance of 1-2 RMB, whereas 十万块左右(shí wàn kuài zuǒyòu) (around 100,000 RMB) implies a much larger variance.
The key is that 左右(zuǒyòu) itself doesn't define the range; it simply signals that one exists.
This grammatical pattern is highly efficient. It embeds the concept of approximation directly into the noun phrase, removing the need for a separate adverbial phrase like 大概(dàgài) (probably/approximately) at the beginning of the sentence, although they can be used together for emphasis. For instance, in the sentence 会议三点左右开始(Huìyì sān diǎn zuǒyòu kāishǐ) (The meeting will start around 3 o'clock), the approximation is neatly contained within the time phrase itself.

Formation Pattern

1
The structure for using 左右(zuǒyòu) is rigid and straightforward. You must always place it after the complete numerical phrase.
2
The core formula is:
3
[Number] + [Measure Word / Unit] + 左右(zuǒyòu)
4
This pattern applies universally across different categories of measurement. Any deviation, particularly placing 左右(zuǒyòu) before the number, is a significant grammatical error. The number and its associated unit must form an inseparable block.
5
Here is a table illustrating the pattern across various common contexts:
6
| Category | Number + Unit | Full Phrase with 左右(zuǒyòu) | Pinyin | Translation |
7
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
8
| Time (Clock) | 五点(wǔ diǎn) | 五点左右(wǔ diǎn zuǒyòu) | wǔ diǎn zuǒyòu | Around 5 o'clock |
9
| Time (Duration) | 半个小时(bàn gè xiǎoshí) | 半个小时左右(bàn gè xiǎoshí zuǒyòu) | bàn gè xiǎoshí zuǒyòu | About half an hour |
10
| Age | 三十岁(sānshí suì) | 三十岁左右(sānshí suì zuǒyòu) | sānshí suì zuǒyòu | Around 30 years old |
11
| Money | 五百块(wǔbǎi kuài) | 五百块左右(wǔbǎi kuài zuǒyòu) | wǔbǎi kuài zuǒyòu | Approximately 500 RMB |
12
| Quantity (People)| 二十个人(èrshí gè rén) | 二十个人左右(èrshí gè rén zuǒyòu) | èrshí gè rén zuǒyòu | About 20 people |
13
| Quantity (Objects)| 两千本书(liǎng qiān běn shū)| 两千本书左右(liǎng qiān běn shū zuǒyòu)| liǎng qiān běn shū zuǒyòu| Roughly 2000 books |
14
| Distance | 三公里(sān gōnglǐ) | 三公里左右(sān gōnglǐ zuǒyòu) | sān gōnglǐ zuǒyòu | Around 3 kilometers |
15
| Weight | 十公斤(shí gōngjīn) | 十公斤左右(shí gōngjīn zuǒyòu) | shí gōngjīn zuǒyòu | Approximately 10 kilograms |
16
It is important to note that the noun itself (like 人(rén) or 书(shū)) can sometimes be omitted if the context is clear, but the measure word (个(gè), 本(běn)) is rarely dropped. For instance, if someone asks how many people are coming, you can simply answer, 二十个左右(èrshí gè zuǒyòu).

When To Use It

As a B2 learner, you should use 左右(zuǒyòu) to add nuance and naturalness to your speech in any situation involving an estimated quantity. It is appropriate in both casual conversation and professional settings.
1. Time and Deadlines: This is the most frequent use case. It is used for both points in time and durations. It helps manage expectations and avoids committing to a precise moment you might not be able to meet.
  • Casual: 我下午两点左右到你家，可以吗？(Wǒ xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn zuǒyòu dào nǐ jiā, kěyǐ ma?) (I'll get to your place around 2 PM, is that okay?)
  • Professional: 这个报告我需要两天左右才能完成。(Zhège bàogào wǒ xūyào liǎng tiān zuǒyòu cáinéng wánchéng.) (I'll need about two days to finish this report.)
2. Costs and Budgets: When discussing prices, especially for items without a fixed tag or when estimating future expenses, 左右(zuǒyòu) is indispensable.
  • Shopping: 这台电脑的维修费用大概在八百块左右。(Zhè tái diànnǎo de wéixiū fèiyòng dàgài zài bābǎi kuài zuǒyòu.) (The repair cost for this computer is around 800 RMB.)
  • Planning: 我们去日本旅游的预算是一万五千元左右。(Wǒmen qù Rìběn lǚyóu de yùsuàn shì yīwàn wǔqiān yuán zuǒyòu.) (Our budget for the Japan trip is approximately 15,000 RMB.)
3. Age, Physical Attributes, and General Quantities: 左右(zuǒyòu) is the standard and polite way to estimate someone's age or other personal statistics. It also applies to any countable noun.
  • Describing People: 我们公司新来的CEO看起来四十岁左右。(Wǒmen gōngsī xīn lái de CEO kàn qǐlái sìshí suì zuǒyòu.) (The new CEO at our company looks to be around 40 years old.)
  • General Counting: 昨天的会议有五十人左右参加。(Zuótiān de huìyì yǒu wǔshí rén zuǒyòu cānjiā.) (There were about 50 people attending yesterday's meeting.)

Common Mistakes

Learners at the B2 level often make subtle errors with 左右(zuǒyòu) that betray non-native patterns of thought. Avoiding these is a hallmark of advancing proficiency.
  1. 1Incorrect Word Order: This is the most fundamental error. English speakers are accustomed to saying "around 10 people." A direct translation leads to the incorrect placement of 左右(zuǒyòu) before the number.
  • Incorrect: 我买了左右十个苹果。(Wǒ mǎile zuǒyòu shí gè píngguǒ.)
  • Correct: 我买了十个左右的苹果。(Wǒ mǎile shí gè zuǒyòu de píngguǒ.) or 我买了十个苹果左右。(Wǒ mǎile shí gè píngguǒ zuǒyòu.) (Note: The first correct version uses 的 to turn the phrase into an adjective modifying the noun.) The safest structure is always [Number] + [MW] + 左右(zuǒyòu).
  1. 1Redundancy with 多(duō) and 来(lái): Chinese has other numerical approximators like 多(duō) (more than) and 来(lái) (around, for numbers 10-100). Using them simultaneously with 左右(zuǒyòu) is grammatically redundant and sounds unnatural.
  • Incorrect: 他三十多岁左右。(Tā sānshí duō suì zuǒyòu.)
  • Why it's wrong: 三十多岁(sānshí duō suì) already means "in one's thirties." Adding 左右(zuǒyòu) creates a confusing double approximation.
  • Choose one: Say 他三十多岁(tā sānshí duō suì) OR 他三十岁左右(tā sānshí suì zuǒyòu). They have slightly different meanings: the first implies 31-39, while the second implies a range around 30 (e.g., 28-32).
  1. 1Using with Overly Precise Numbers: The logic of 左右(zuǒyòu) is to round off a number to a convenient, approximate whole. Applying it to a number that is already highly specific is illogical and jarring.
  • Incorrect: 火车票是257.5元左右。(Huǒchē piào shì 257.5 yuán zuǒyòu.)
  • Why it's wrong: The precision of "257.5" clashes with the vagueness of 左右(zuǒyòu). Native speakers would round first.
  • Correct: 火车票是260块左右。(Huǒchē piào shì liǎng bǎi liù shí kuài zuǒyòu.)
  1. 1Applying to Non-Quantifiable Concepts: 左右(zuǒyòu) is strictly for numbers. You cannot use it to express approximation for qualities, states, or actions. For that, you need adverbs like 有点儿(yǒudiǎnr) (a bit) or 差不多(chàbuduō) (almost).
  • Incorrect: 我感觉累左右。(Wǒ gǎnjué lèi zuǒyòu.) (I feel tired-ish.)
  • Correct: 我感觉有点儿累。(Wǒ gǎnjué yǒudiǎnr lèi.) (I feel a bit tired.)

Real Conversations

Here is how 左右(zuǒyòu) appears in natural, modern communication. Notice how it seamlessly integrates into different contexts.

S

Scenario 1

Planning a meetup via WeChat
A

A

你什么时候到？地铁上人多吗？(Nǐ shénme shíhòu dào? Dìtiě shàng rén duō ma?)

(When are you arriving? Is the subway crowded?)

B

B

我大概十分钟左右就到了。人还行，不算太多。(Wǒ dàgài shí fēnzhōng zuǒyòu jiù dàole. Rén hái xíng, bù suàn tài duō.)

(I'll be there in about 10 minutes. The crowd is okay, not too bad.)

S

Scenario 2

In a work meeting discussing a project timeline
M

Manager

这个新功能的开发周期需要多久？(Zhège xīn gōngnéng de kāifā zhōuqī xūyào duōjiǔ?)

(How long will the development cycle for this new feature take?)

T

Team Lead

根据我们的初步评估，从设计到上线，总共需要三个月左右的时间。(Gēnjù wǒmen de chūbù pínggū, cóng shèjì dào shàngxiàn, zǒnggòng xūyào sān gè yuè zuǒyòu de shíjiān.)

(Based on our preliminary assessment, from design to launch, it will require a total of about three months.)

S

Scenario 3

Casual conversation about a past trip
A

A

你上次去云南玩儿，花了多少钱啊？(Nǐ shàngcì qù Yúnnán wánr, huāle duōshǎo qián a?)

(How much did you spend on your trip to Yunnan last time?)

B

B

嗯……机票和酒店是大头，加上吃喝玩乐，一个人差不多花了一万块左右吧。(Ń... jīpiào hé jiǔdiàn shì dàtóu, jiāshàng chīhēwánlè, yīgè rén chàbuduō huāle yīwàn kuài zuǒyòu ba.)

(Hmm... flights and hotels were the biggest part. Including food and fun, it was roughly 10,000 RMB per person.)

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I use 左右(zuǒyòu) with any number?

Technically yes, but it is most natural with round numbers (e.g., 十(shí), 五十(wǔshí), 三百(sānbǎi)) or common units of time (三点(sān diǎn), 半小时(bàn xiǎoshí)). Using it with a very specific, non-rounded number like 十三(shísān) is less common unless that number is a meaningful quantity in context. The general principle is to approximate from a logical base number.

Q: How is 左右(zuǒyòu) different from 大概(dàgài) and 差不多(chàbuduō)?

This is a crucial distinction. They are not interchangeable.

  • 左右(zuǒyòu) is a postposition that creates a range around a number (十个左右 - around 10).
  • 大概(dàgài) is an adverb expressing the speaker's guess or subjective uncertainty. It's placed before the verb or number phrase (大概有十个 - there are probably 10).
  • 差不多(chàbuduō) is an adjective/adverb meaning "almost" or "nearly there." It implies reaching a point or quantity (差不多十点了 - it's almost 10 o'clock; 我们差不多到了 - we're almost there). It can also be used as a standalone response: A: 你做完了吗？ B: 差不多了。 (A: Are you done? B: Almost.)
Q: Is it appropriate to use 左右(zuǒyòu) in formal or business writing?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is essential for professional communication. When giving project estimates, budget forecasts, or timelines, using 左右(zuǒyòu) is considered realistic and responsible. It manages expectations by building in a margin for unforeseen circumstances, which is seen as more professional than giving an overly confident, rigid number that may later prove inaccurate.

Q: What about 上下(shàngxià) (up-down)? Is it the same?

上下(shàngxià) is a very close synonym and follows the same grammatical pattern (Number + Unit + 上下(shàngxià)). However, it is slightly more formal or literary and is most frequently used when estimating age, height, or rank. For example, 四十岁上下(sìshí suì shàngxià) (around 40 years old) is very common. While 左右(zuǒyòu) can be used for everything, 上下(shàngxià) is more restricted. As a B2 learner, mastering 左右(zuǒyòu) is the priority; think of 上下(shàngxià) as a more specialized alternative.

Approximation Structure

Category Structure Example
Count
Number + Measure + 左右
{三|sān}{个|gè}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Time
Time + 左右
{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Age
Age + 左右
{二十|èrshí}{岁|suì}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Distance
Distance + 左右
{五公里|wǔgōnglǐ}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Money
Amount + 左右
{一百块|yībǎikuài}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Duration
Duration + 左右
{两小时|liǎngxiǎoshí}{左右|zuǒyòu}

Meanings

The term {左右|zuǒyòu} is used to indicate that a quantity, time, or age is approximate, meaning 'more or less' or 'around'.

1

Numerical Approximation

Estimating a count of objects or people.

“我有{十|shí}{本|běn}{书|shū}{左右|zuǒyòu}。”

“这里有{一百|yībǎi}{人|rén}{左右|zuǒyòu}。”

2

Temporal Approximation

Estimating a point in time.

“我{八点|bādiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}到。”

“会议在{下午|xiàwǔ}{两点|liǎngdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}开始。”

3

Age Approximation

Estimating someone's age.

“她看起来有{二十|èrshí}{五|wǔ}{岁|suì}{左右|zuǒyòu}。”

“那个人有{六十|liùshí}{岁|suì}{左右|zuǒyòu}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Approximate Numbers: Using {左右|zuǒyòu} (Around/Ish)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Number + Measure + 左右
{三|sān}{个|gè}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Time
Time + 左右
{七点|qīdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Age
Age + 左右
{三十|sānshí}{岁|suì}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Question
Number + Measure + 左右 + 吗?
{三|sān}{个|gè}{左右|zuǒyòu}{吗|ma}?
Combined
大约 + Number + Measure + 左右
{大约|dàyuē}{三|sān}{个|gè}{左右|zuǒyòu}
Negative
Not used directly
N/A

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}

{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu} (Meeting time)

Neutral
{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}

{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu} (Meeting time)

Informal
{五点|wǔdiǎn}{多|duō}

{五点|wǔdiǎn}{多|duō} (Meeting time)

Slang
{五点|wǔdiǎn}{来钟|láizhōng}

{五点|wǔdiǎn}{来钟|láizhōng} (Meeting time)

Usage of {左右|zuǒyòu}

{左右|zuǒyòu}

Time

  • {八点|bādiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu} around 8:00

Count

  • {五个|wǔgè}{左右|zuǒyòu} about 5

Age

  • {十岁|shísuì}{左右|zuǒyòu} around 10 years old
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Examples by Level

1

{三|sān}{个|gè}{人|rén}{左右|zuǒyòu}

about three people

2

{五|wǔ}{点|diǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}

around 5 o'clock

3

{十|shí}{块|kuài}{左右|zuǒyòu}

about 10 yuan

4

{两|liǎng}{天|tiān}{左右|zuǒyòu}

about two days

1

他有{二十|èrshí}{岁|suì}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

He is about 20 years old.

2

我{下午|xiàwǔ}{三点|sāndiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{去|qù}。

I will go around 3 PM.

3

这儿有{五十|wǔshí}{个|gè}{学生|xuéshēng}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

There are about 50 students here.

4

他买了{五|wǔ}{本|běn}{书|shū}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

He bought about 5 books.

1

这个项目需要{三个|sāngè}{月|yuè}{左右|zuǒyòu}完成。

This project needs about three months to finish.

2

会议大概在{十点|shídiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{结束|jiéshù}。

The meeting will end around 10 o'clock.

3

他住在{离|lí}{这儿|zhèr}{五|wǔ}{公里|gōnglǐ}{左右|zuǒyòu}{的|de}{地方|dìfāng}。

He lives about 5km away from here.

4

这件衣服{一百|yībǎi}{块|kuài}{钱|qián}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

This piece of clothing is about 100 yuan.

1

根据我的估计，成本在{一万|yīwàn}{元|yuán}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

According to my estimate, the cost is around 10,000 yuan.

2

他拥有{十年|shínián}{的|de}{工作|gōngzuò}{经验|jīngyàn}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

He has about 10 years of work experience.

3

气温在{二十|èrshí}{度|dù}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

The temperature is around 20 degrees.

4

我们{大概|dàgài}{在|zài}{六点|liùdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{见面|jiànmiàn}。

We will meet around 6 o'clock.

1

该地区的年降雨量在{一千|yīqiān}{毫米|háomǐ}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

The annual rainfall in this region is around 1000mm.

2

这种现象在{二十|èrshí}{世纪|shìjì}{五十|wǔshí}{年代|niándài}{左右|zuǒyòu}{开始|kāishǐ}{出现|chūxiàn}。

This phenomenon began to appear around the 1950s.

3

他的理论在{学术界|xuéshùjiè}{引起|yǐnqǐ}{了|le}{很大|hěndà}{的|de}{反响|fǎnxiǎng}，{大约|dàyuē}{有|yǒu}{上百|shàngbǎi}{篇|piān}{论文|lùnwén}{左右|zuǒyòu}{引用|yǐnyòng}{了|le}{它|tā}。

His theory caused a big stir in academia, with about 100 papers citing it.

4

这台机器的寿命在{五年|wǔnián}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

The lifespan of this machine is about 5 years.

1

在{古代|gǔdài}{文献|wénxiàn}{中|zhōng}，{左右|zuǒyòu}一词常用于指代{侍从|shìcóng}，但在此语境下，它仅作为{数量|shùliàng}{词|cí}{的|de}{后缀|hòuzhuì}。

In ancient texts, the word 'zuoyou' was often used to refer to attendants, but in this context, it only serves as a suffix for quantity.

2

其{影响力|yǐngxiǎng lì}{之|zhī}{大|dà}，{覆盖|fùgài}{了|le}{全国|quánguó}{百分之八十|bǎifēnzhībāshí}{左右|zuǒyòu}{的|de}{人口|rénkǒu}。

Its influence is so great that it covers about 80% of the national population.

3

该{算法|suànfǎ}{的|de}{误差|wùchā}{率|lǜ}{在|zài}{百分之零点一|bǎifēnzhīlíngdiǎnyī}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

The error rate of this algorithm is around 0.1%.

4

我们必须在{两周|liǎngzhōu}{左右|zuǒyòu}{的|de}{时间|shíjiān}{内|nèi}{完成|wánchéng}{这项|zhèxiàng}{任务|rènwù}。

We must complete this task within about two weeks.

Easily Confused

Approximate Numbers: Using {左右|zuǒyòu} (Around/Ish) vs {大约|dàyuē}

Both mean 'about'.

Common Mistakes

✗

{左右|zuǒyòu}{三|sān}{个|gè}

✓

{三|sān}{个|gè}{左右|zuǒyòu}

It must be a suffix.
✗

{左右|zuǒyòu}{人|rén}

✓

{三|sān}{个|gè}{人|rén}{左右|zuǒyòu}

Needs a number.
✗

我{左右|zuǒyòu}{三点|sāndiǎn}{到|dào}

✓

我{三点|sāndiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{到|dào}

Wrong position.
✗

他{左右|zuǒyòu}{有|yǒu}{钱|qián}

✓

他{大概|dàyuē}{有|yǒu}{钱|qián}

Cannot use {左右|zuǒyòu} for abstract concepts.

Sentence Patterns

我___左右到。

Real World Usage

Texting constant

{我|wǒ}{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{到|dào}。

Shopping very common

{这|zhè}{要|yào}{一百|yībǎi}{块|kuài}{左右|zuǒyòu}。

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💡

Suffix Power

Always remember {左右|zuǒyòu} is a suffix. It loves to be at the end of the number phrase.

Smart Tips

Use {左右|zuǒyòu} to sound natural.

{我|wǒ}{五点|wǔdiǎn}{到|dào} → {我|wǒ}{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{到|dào}

Pronunciation

zuǒ yòu

Tone

{左|zuǒ} is 3rd tone, {右|yòu} is 4th tone.

Statement

Rising then falling.

Neutral tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a scale: {左|zuǒ} (left) and {右|yòu} (right). If you are 'around' a number, you are swaying between the left and right of that number.

Visual Association

Imagine a clock where the hand is vibrating back and forth around the number 5. That vibration is the {左右|zuǒyòu} suffix.

Rhyme

Number plus measure, then add {左右|zuǒyòu}, it makes your Chinese sound like a pro!

Story

I asked my friend when he would arrive. He said '{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}'. I waited at the café. He arrived at 4:55, then I saw him again at 5:05. He was indeed '{五点|wǔdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}'.

Word Web

{大约|dàyuē}{左右|zuǒyòu}{上下|shàngxià}{多|duō}{少|shǎo}{估计|gūjì}

Challenge

Look at 5 items in your room and guess their quantity using the {左右|zuǒyòu} structure out loud.

Cultural Notes

Very common in daily life for everything from bus schedules to market prices.

Similar usage, but sometimes {上下|shàngxià} is preferred for age.

Often mixed with Cantonese particles.

Comes from the literal meaning of left and right, implying a range.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ}{几点|jǐdiǎn}{左右|zuǒyòu}{下班|xiàbān}?

“

{你们|nǐmen}{班|bān}{有|yǒu}{多少|duōshǎo}{学生|xuéshēng}?

Journal Prompts

Describe your typical day using time approximations.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

他有{二十|èrshí}{岁|suì}_____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {左右|zuǒyòu}
It is a suffix.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

他有{二十|èrshí}{岁|suì}_____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {左右|zuǒyòu}
It is a suffix.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the time expression. Fill in the Blank

{会议|huìyì} {下午|xiàwǔ} {三点|sān diǎn} ___ {结束|jiéshù}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 左右
Fix the adjective usage error. Error Correction

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {菜|cài} {好吃|hǎochī} {左右|zuǒyòu}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个菜挺好吃的。
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

① {左右|zuǒyòu} ② {他|tā} ③ {五十公斤|wǔshí gōngjīn} ④ {重|zhòng}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ②③①④
Translate 'About 5 kilometers' into Chinese. Translation

I walk about 5 kilometers every day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {每天|měitiān} {走|zǒu} {五公里|wǔ gōnglǐ} {左右|zuǒyòu}。
Pick the correct sentence for price estimation. Multiple Choice

Which one sounds like a real price estimate?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Match the Chinese to English. Match Pairs

Match the approximate expressions:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All matched correctly
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{老师|lǎoshī} {五十岁|wǔshí suì} ___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are okay
Correct the location of the particle. Error Correction

{我|wǒ} {等|děng} {了|le} {左右|zuǒyòu} {半个|bàn gè} {小时|xiǎoshí}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {等|děng} {了|le} {半个|bàn gè} {小时|xiǎoshí} {左右|zuǒyòu}。
Which is more polite when guessing weight? Multiple Choice

Select the best way to estimate weight:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你|nǐ} {六十公斤|liùshí gōngjīn} {左右|zuǒyòu} {吧|ba}？
Reorder: {一米七|yī mǐ qī} / {他|tā} / {左右|zuǒyòu} / {身高|shēngāo} Sentence Reorder

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {身高|shēngāo} {一米七|yī mǐ qī} {左右|zuǒyòu}。

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

No, only for quantities, time, and age.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish partial

alrededor de

Positioning (prefix vs suffix).

French partial

environ

Positioning.

German partial

ungefähr

Positioning.

Japanese high

ぐらい

Very similar usage.

Arabic partial

تقريباً

Grammatical category.

Chinese high

{左右|zuǒyòu}

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Separable Verbs (离合词): Splitting Verbs to Add Details

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