A1 Measure Words 13 min read Easy

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)

Think of {个|gè} as a mandatory bridge connecting numbers to nouns; without it, the sentence falls apart.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {个|gè} as a universal bridge between numbers and nouns when you don't know the specific measure word.

  • Use {个|gè} for people: {一个|yī gè} {人|rén} (one person).
  • Use {个|gè} for general objects: {一个|yī gè} {苹果|píngguǒ} (one apple).
  • Always place {个|gè} between the number and the noun: Number + {个|gè} + Noun.
Number + 个 + Noun

Overview

Chinese grammar treats nouns differently than English does. Where English simply puts a number before a noun (e.g., "three friends"), Chinese requires an intermediary word known as a measure word (量词, liàngcí). This word categorizes the noun, specifying the unit by which it is being counted.

Think of it like English phrases such as "a flock of sheep" or "a sheet of paper." In Chinese, this structure is not optional; it's the default for almost all counting.

Among the hundreds of measure words, 个 (gè) is the most fundamental and frequently used. It functions as a universal or general-purpose counter for a vast range of nouns. For a beginner at the A1 level, 个 (gè) is your single most important grammatical tool for quantification.

It serves as a reliable default when you don't know the more specific measure word for a noun. While you will eventually learn dozens of specialized classifiers—like 张 (zhāng) for flat objects or 本 (běn) for books—mastering 个 (gè) first provides an essential foundation for forming basic, correct sentences.

Its function is not just grammatical but also conceptual. The use of measure words reflects a worldview where objects are grouped by shared characteristics (shape, function, or type). 个 (gè) is the classifier for things perceived as individual, whole, or default units.

Its prevalence in spoken Chinese makes it indispensable, allowing you to count people, abstract ideas, fruits, and countless other everyday items without causing a breakdown in communication. Understanding its role is the first major step toward thinking and speaking in a more natural, Chinese way.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, the grammar of 个 (gè) revolves around the mandatory structure: Quantifier + Measure Word + Noun. A quantifier can be a number (like 一, 二, 三), a demonstrative pronoun (这 zhè - this; 那 nà - that), or an interrogative pronoun (哪 nǎ - which; 几 jǐ - how many).
The measure word acts as a bridge. A number like 三 (sān) is an abstract quantity. A noun like 苹果 (píngguǒ) is a concrete object.
The measure word 个 (gè) connects them, turning the abstract number into a countable unit that can be applied to the object. You cannot directly connect a number to a noun; the phrase 三苹果 (sān píngguǒ) is grammatically incomplete and jarring to a native speaker. The correct form, 三个苹果 (sān ge píngguǒ), is smooth and logical within the Chinese grammatical system.
This principle extends beyond simple counting. When you point something out using "this" or "that," you are singling out one unit. Therefore, demonstratives also require a measure word.
To say "this person," you must say 这个人 (zhè ge rén). The phrase 这人 (zhè rén) is a common colloquial shortcut, but the full, grammatically standard form includes 个 (gè), and this is the form you should learn first. The same logic applies when asking "which person?" (`哪个人?
nǎ ge rén?) or "how many people?" (几个人? jǐ ge rén?`).
One crucial aspect of using 个 (gè) in natural speech is its tone. While its dictionary pronunciation is the falling fourth tone (gè), in practice, it is almost always pronounced with a neutral tone (ge) when it follows a number or demonstrative. It becomes a light, unstressed syllable that connects the words around it.
For example, in 一个朋友 (yī ge péngyou), the ge is quick and soft. Pronouncing it with a hard, falling gè in conversation is a common sign of a non-native speaker and can make your speech sound stilted and overly deliberate.
Finally, it's important to understand why this structure exists. In Chinese, nouns themselves are generally not marked for pluralization (e.g., 苹果 can mean 'apple' or 'apples'). The number and measure word combination is what provides the specific quantity and countability.
This system, while unfamiliar to English speakers, brings a high degree of precision and categorization to the language. 个 (gè) is your entry point into this fundamental system.

Formation Pattern

1
The 个 (gè) particle consistently appears between a quantifier and a noun. Mastering the following three patterns will allow you to construct a wide variety of essential phrases.
2
1. Number + 个 (gè) + Noun
3
This is the primary pattern for counting discrete items. It is the direct equivalent of saying "one friend" or "three apples" in English.
4
| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
5
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
6
| Number + 个 + Noun | 一个学生 | yī ge xuésheng | one student |
7
| Number + 个 + Noun | 三个问题 | sān ge wèntí | three questions |
8
| Number + 个 + Noun | 十个朋友 | shí ge péngyou | ten friends |
9
| Number + 个 + Noun | 五个星期 | wǔ ge xīngqī | five weeks |
10
Special Rule for "Two": 两 (liǎng) vs. 二 (èr)
11
When counting items with a measure word, you must use 两 (liǎng) for the number two, not 二 (èr). 二 (èr) is used for ordinal numbers (second, Number Two), in phone numbers, or when counting without a measure word (e.g., 一, 二, 三...).
12
Correct: 两个苹果 (liǎng ge píngguǒ) - two apples
13
Incorrect: 二个苹果 (èr ge píngguǒ)
14
Correct: 两个人 (liǎng ge rén) - two people
15
Incorrect: 二个人 (èr ge rén)
16
2. Demonstrative + 个 (gè) + Noun
17
This pattern is used to specify a particular item ("this apple") or a distal item ("that company"). The demonstrative pronouns 这 (zhè) for 'this' and 那 (nà) for 'that' must be followed by a measure word before the noun.
18
| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
19
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
20
| 这 + 个 + Noun | 这个菜 | zhè ge cài | this dish |
21
| 这 + 个 + Noun | 这个帅哥 | zhè ge shuàigē | this handsome guy |
22
| 那 + 个 + Noun | 那个公司 | nà ge gōngsī | that company |
23
| 那 + 个 + Noun | 那个想法 | nà ge xiǎngfǎ | that idea |
24
In very casual, rapid speech, you might hear native speakers drop the 个 and say 这人 (zhè rén) or 那人 (nà rén), but this is a reduction of the full form. As a learner, you should always include 个 (gè) to build a solid grammatical foundation.
25
3. Interrogative + 个 (gè) + Noun
26
This pattern is for asking questions about quantity (几 jǐ - how many) or identity (哪 nǎ - which).
27
| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
28
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
29
| 哪 + 个 + Noun | 哪个人? | nǎ ge rén? | Which person? |
30
| 哪 + 个 + Noun | 哪个杯子? | nǎ ge bēizi? | Which cup? |
31
| 几 + 个 + Noun | 几个月? | jǐ ge yuè? | How many months? |
32
| 几 + 个 + Noun | 你吃几个包子? | nǐ chī jǐ ge bāozi? | How many buns are you eating? |
33
Note that 几 (jǐ) is typically used when you expect the answer to be a small number (usually under 10). For potentially larger quantities, 多少 (duōshao) is used, which does not require a measure word: 多少人? (duōshao rén?) - How many people?

When To Use It

个 (gè) is defined by its versatility. While many nouns have a more specialized classifier, 个 (gè) is often an acceptable—and in many cases, the only correct—choice. Here is a breakdown of its primary use cases.
  • People: This is the most common use. 个 (gè) is the default counter for people in general. For example, 一个男人 (yī ge nánrén), 一个小孩 (yī ge xiǎohái), 三个中国人 (sān ge Zhōngguó rén). However, be aware of the more polite measure word 位 (wèi), used in formal or service contexts to show respect (e.g., 一位老师, yī wèi lǎoshī - a teacher). Using 个 for people is neutral and always correct, while 位 adds a layer of politeness.
  • Abstract Concepts: Ideas, thoughts, questions, dreams, and other intangible nouns are almost exclusively counted with 个 (gè). This is because they don't have a physical shape that would suggest a more specific classifier. Examples include 一个问题 (yī ge wèntí) - one question, 一个机会 (yī ge jīhuì) - one opportunity, and 一个梦想 (yī ge mèngxiǎng) - one dream.
  • General, Roundish, or Uncategorized Objects: 个 (gè) serves as the catch-all for physical objects that don't have a common, more specific measure word. This includes many fruits like 一个苹果 (yī ge píngguǒ) - an apple, or common items like 一个面包 (yī ge miànbāo) - a loaf of bread, and 一个包子 (yī ge bāozi) - a steamed bun.
  • Certain Units of Time: 个 (gè) is used for counting weeks and months. You say 一个星期 (yī ge xīngqī) for 'one week' and 一个月 (yī ge yuè) for 'one month'. It can also be used for 'half an hour', 半个小时 (bàn ge xiǎoshí). Note that it is not used for years (年 nián), days (天 tiān), or minutes (分钟 fēnzhōng), which act as their own measure words (e.g., 一年, 一天, 一分钟).
  • Body Parts: Most body parts are counted with 个 (gè), such as 一个鼻子 (yī ge bízi) - one nose, and 一个头 (yī ge tóu) - one head. The main exception is for body parts that come in pairs, which often use 双 (shuāng) for the pair (e.g., 一双眼睛, yī shuāng yǎnjing - a pair of eyes) or 只 (zhī) for one of the pair (e.g., 一只手, yī zhī shǒu - one hand).
  • Organizations, Institutions, and Places: General locations or buildings often take 个 (gè). For instance, 一个国家 (yī ge guójiā) - one country, 一个城市 (yī ge chéngshì) - one city, or 一个房间 (yī ge fángjiān) - one room. However, larger or more formal institutions might use 家 (jiā), as in 一家公司 (yī jiā gōngsī) - one company.
  • As a Colloquial Default: In informal, spoken Chinese, speakers often default to 个 (gè) even when a more specific measure word exists. For example, while the technically correct measure word for a car is 辆 (liàng), in a casual conversation, someone might say 我买了一个车 (wǒ mǎi le yī ge chē) instead of 一辆车 (yī liàng chē). While this is common, it's best for learners to practice using the correct, specific measure words to develop good habits.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently make a few predictable errors when getting used to 个 (gè). Avoiding these will significantly improve your grammatical accuracy.
  1. 1Omitting the Measure Word Entirely.
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. The direct translation *three apples (三苹果 sān píngguǒ) is grammatically wrong. You must always remember to insert the measure word.
  • Mistake: 我有一个姐姐。 (wǒ yǒu yī jiějie.)
  • Correction: 我有一个个姐姐。 (wǒ yǒu yī ge jiějie.) - I have one older sister.
  1. 1Using 二 (èr) Instead of 两 (liǎng) for "Two".
This is a hard rule that often trips up beginners. Remember: when counting things with a measure word, 'two' is 两 (liǎng).
  • Mistake: 他有两个弟弟。 (tā yǒu èr ge dìdi.)
  • Correction: 他有两个弟弟。 (tā yǒu liǎng ge dìdi.) - He has two younger brothers.
  1. 1Using 个 (gè) with Nouns That Don't Need It.
Some nouns, particularly for units of time and measurement, function as their own measure words. You do not add an extra 个 (gè).
  • Mistake: 我等了你三个个小时。 (wǒ děng le nǐ sān ge ge xiǎoshí.)
  • Correction: 我等了你三个小时。 (wǒ děng le nǐ sān ge xiǎoshí.) - I waited for you for three hours. (Here 个 is part of the noun 个小时)
  • Mistake: 他去中国两个年了。 (tā qù Zhōngguó liǎng ge nián le.)
  • Correction: 他去中国两年了。 (tā qù Zhōngguó liǎng nián le.) - He has been in China for two years.
  1. 1Overusing 个 (gè) in Formal Contexts.
While 个 (gè) is a safe default in casual speech, using it when a specific and common measure word is expected can sound uneducated or careless in formal writing or speaking. For example, using 一个书 (yī ge shū) instead of the correct 一本书 (yī běn shū) for 'one book'.
  • Informal/Acceptable: 那个电影不错。 (nà ge diànyǐng bùcuò.) - That movie is good.
  • More Formal/Correct: 那部电影不错。 (nà bù diànyǐng bùcuò.) (Using 部 bù, the measure word for films/novels).
  1. 1Pronouncing 个 with a Hard Falling Tone.
In connected speech, 个 should be a light, neutral tone (ge). Consistently pronouncing it as gè with a fourth tone makes your speech sound unnatural and foreign. Listen carefully to native speakers and mimic the light, quick pronunciation.

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are clean, but real language is often messier and more direct. Here’s how 个 (gè) appears in everyday situations.

S

Scenario 1

Ordering food at a restaurant
W

Waiter

你们好！想吃点什么？ (Nǐmen hǎo! Xiǎng chī diǎn shénme?) - Hello! What would you like to eat?
C

Customer

我们要两个宫保鸡丁，还想再要一个麻婆豆腐。 (Wǒmen yào liǎng ge Gōngbǎo Jīdīng, hái xiǎng zài yào yī ge Mápó Dòufu.) - We want two Kung Pao Chickens, and also want one Mapo Tofu.

Analysis*: The customer correctly uses 两 (liǎng) for "two" and applies 个 (gè) to the dishes. While a menu might list a dish as 一份 (yī fèn), 个 is a perfectly natural and common way to order individual dishes in conversation.

S

Scenario 2

Text message between friends
F

Friend A

在干嘛？ (Zài gàn嘛?) - What's up?
F

Friend B

没啥，刚看了个电影，有点无聊。 (Méi shá, gāng kàn le ge diànyǐng, yǒudiǎn wúliáo.) - Nothing much, just watched a movie, it was a bit boring.

Analysis*: Notice the structure 看了个电影 (kàn le ge diànyǐng). Here, 一 (yī) is omitted before 个 (ge). This is extremely common in informal speech. When the number is 'one', it's often dropped, leaving just the measure word. This is a key feature of authentic, colloquial Chinese.

S

Scenario 3

Office small talk
C

Colleague A

听说了吗？老板提了一个新想法。 (Tīngshuō le ma? Lǎobǎn tí le yī ge xīn xiǎngfǎ.) - Did you hear? The boss proposed a new idea.
C

Colleague B

哦？是关于哪个项目的？ (Ó? Shì guānyú nǎ ge xiàngmù de?) - Oh? Which project is it about?

Analysis*: 个 (gè) is used here for both an abstract concept (新想法 - new idea) and to ask a specifying question (哪个项目 - which project). This shows how effortlessly it handles both concrete and abstract nouns in a typical workplace exchange.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I really just use 个 (gè) for everything if I forget the right measure word?

In a pinch, yes. For a beginner, using 个 (gè) when you should have used 条 (tiáo) for a fish is a minor error. People will absolutely understand you. It is much better than omitting the measure word entirely. However, your goal should be to gradually learn and use the correct, specific classifiers as you advance.

Q: So I always need a measure word after a number?

Almost always when followed by a noun. The main exceptions are units that are themselves measure words, like 天 (tiān) for day, 年 (nián) for year, and 块 (kuài) for money. You say 三天 (sān tiān), not 三个天 (sān ge tiān).

Q: How is 个 (gè) different from 位 (wèi) for people?

个 (gè) is the neutral, general counter for people (一个人). 位 (wèi) is the polite, respectful counter used in formal or service settings (一位客人 - one guest). You would use 位 when referring to customers, teachers, or elders to show respect, but you'd use 个 for your friends, family, or people in general.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong specific measure word?

It will sound strange, but you will likely still be understood. For example, saying 一个裤子 (yī ge kùzi) for 'a pair of pants' instead of the correct 一条裤子 (yī tiáo kùzi) is a common learner mistake. It marks you as a non-native speaker, but the meaning is still clear from context. The error is less jarring than leaving out the measure word completely.

Basic Structure

Number Measure Word Noun Example
一
个
人
一个人
两
个
苹果
两个苹果
三
个
书
三个书
几
个
学生
几个学生
这
个
地方
这个地方
那
个
电影
那个电影

Meanings

The most versatile measure word in Chinese, used to quantify nouns when no specific classifier is required or known.

1

General Counter

Used for people, abstract concepts, and many physical objects.

“{一个|yī gè} {学生|xuéshēng}”

“{三个|sān gè} {问题|wèntí}”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Number + 个 + Noun
三个学生
Question
几 + 个 + Noun
几个学生？
Demonstrative
这/那 + 个 + Noun
这个学生
Negative
没有 + 个 + Noun
没有个人
Quantity
多少 + 个 + Noun
多少个学生？

Formality Spectrum

Formal
我需要两个苹果。

我需要两个苹果。 (Ordering food)

Neutral
我要两个苹果。

我要两个苹果。 (Ordering food)

Informal
给我两个苹果。

给我两个苹果。 (Ordering food)

Slang
来两个苹果。

来两个苹果。 (Ordering food)

The Universal Counter

个

People

  • 一个人 one person

Objects

  • 一个苹果 one apple

Abstract

  • 一个问题 a question
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Examples by Level

1

{一个|yī gè} {学生|xuéshēng}

one student

2

{两个|liǎng gè} {人|rén}

two people

3

{三个|sān gè} {苹果|píngguǒ}

three apples

4

{几个|jǐ gè} {杯子|bēizi}?

how many cups?

1

{这个|zhè gè} {手机|shǒujī}

this mobile phone

2

{那个|nà gè} {电影|diànyǐng}

that movie

3

{我有|wǒ yǒu} {一个|yī gè} {问题|wèntí}

I have a question

4

{几个|jǐ gè} {小时|xiǎoshí}?

how many hours?

1

{他有|tā yǒu} {一个|yī gè} {很好的|hěn hǎo de} {想法|xiǎngfǎ}

He has a very good idea

2

{这|zhè} {是个|shì gè} {好|hǎo} {机会|jīhuì}

This is a good opportunity

3

{我|wǒ} {买|mǎi} {一个|yī gè} {新的|xīn de} {电脑|diànnǎo}

I bought a new computer

4

{几个|jǐ gè} {朋友|péngyǒu} {一起|yīqǐ} {去|qù} {吃饭|chīfàn}

A few friends go eat together

1

{这|zhè} {简直|jiǎnzhí} {是个|shì gè} {奇迹|qíjì}

This is simply a miracle

2

{他|tā} {是|shì} {个|gè} {很有|hěn yǒu} {才华的|cáihuá de} {人|rén}

He is a very talented person

3

{没有|méiyǒu} {一个|yī gè} {人|rén} {知道|zhīdào}

Not a single person knows

4

{这|zhè} {是个|shì gè} {复杂|fùzá} {的|de} {问题|wèntí}

This is a complex issue

1

{这|zhè} {不仅|bùjǐn} {是个|shì gè} {技术|jìshù} {问题|wèntí}, {更是|gèng shì} {个|gè} {管理|guǎnlǐ} {问题|wèntí}

This is not just a technical issue, but also a management one

2

{他|tā} {在|zài} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {领域|lǐngyù} {是|shì} {个|gè} {专家|zhuānjiā}

He is an expert in this field

3

{这|zhè} {是|shì} {个|gè} {值得|zhídé} {深思|shēnsī} {的|de} {现象|xiànxiàng}

This is a phenomenon worth deep reflection

4

{我们|wǒmen} {需要|xūyào} {个|gè} {更|gèng} {全面|quánmiàn} {的|de} {方案|fāng'àn}

We need a more comprehensive plan

1

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {概念|gàiniàn} {在|zài} {哲学|zhéxué} {中|zhōng} {是|shì} {个|gè} {核心|héxīn} {议题|yìtí}

This concept is a core issue in philosophy

2

{他|tā} {的|de} {观点|guāndiǎn} {是|shì} {个|gè} {极具|jíjù} {争议|zhēngyì} {的|de} {命题|mìngtí}

His viewpoint is a highly controversial proposition

3

{这|zhè} {是|shì} {个|gè} {历史性|lìshǐxìng} {的|de} {时刻|shíkè}

This is a historic moment

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {决定|juédìng} {将|jiāng} {产生|chǎnshēng} {个|gè} {深远|shēnyuǎn} {的|de} {影响|yǐngxiǎng}

This decision will have a profound impact

Easily Confused

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè) vs 二 vs 两

Learners mix up these two words for 'two'.

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè) vs 个 vs 本

Learners use 个 for everything.

The Universal "Thing" Counter: 个 (gè) vs 个 vs 位

Learners use 个 for people in formal settings.

Common Mistakes

✗

三苹果

✓

三个苹果

Missing the measure word.
✗

二个苹果

✓

两个苹果

Using 二 instead of 两 for quantity.
✗

一个的人

✓

一个人

Adding unnecessary 'de'.
✗

个苹果

✓

一个苹果

Missing the number.
✗

这苹果

✓

这个苹果

Missing the measure word after demonstrative.
✗

几苹果

✓

几个苹果

Missing the measure word in questions.
✗

两苹果

✓

两个苹果

Missing the measure word.
✗

三个书

✓

三本书

Using general counter instead of specific one.
✗

三个车

✓

三辆车

Using general counter instead of specific one.
✗

三个老师

✓

三位老师

Using general counter for respectful people.
✗

三个文件

✓

三份文件

Using general counter for documents.
✗

三个衣服

✓

三件衣服

Using general counter for clothing.
✗

三个信

✓

三封信

Using general counter for letters.
✗

三个花

✓

三朵花

Using general counter for flowers.

Sentence Patterns

我有___个___。

这是___个___。

你想要___个___吗？

那个___是我的。

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

我要两个包子。

Shopping very common

这个手机多少钱？

Introducing friends common

这是我的一个朋友。

Classroom common

我有三个问题。

Texting very common

我要三个。

Travel occasional

这个地方很美。

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💡

When in doubt, use 个

If you forget the specific classifier, use 个. It is better to be slightly imprecise than to be silent.
⚠️

Don't skip it

Beginners often skip the classifier. Always include it to sound natural.
🎯

Listen to natives

Pay attention to what classifiers native speakers use for specific objects.
💬

Politeness

Use 位 instead of 个 when talking about people in formal settings.

Smart Tips

Always add 个 between the number and noun.

三苹果 → 三个苹果

Use 几 + 个 + Noun.

几苹果？ → 几个苹果？

Use 这/那 + 个 + Noun.

这苹果 → 这个苹果

Use 两 instead of 二.

二个苹果 → 两个苹果

Pronunciation

gè

Neutral Tone

The 'ge' in 'ge' is often pronounced with a neutral tone, making it short and light.

Question Intonation

几个苹果？↗

Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '个' as a 'bridge' (it looks a bit like a person standing). It bridges the gap between numbers and nouns.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant '个' standing between a number and an object. If you don't have a 'bridge', the number and object can't connect!

Rhyme

Number plus 个, noun at the end, counting in Chinese is your new best friend.

Story

Xiao Ming went to the store. He wanted one apple. He said '一个苹果'. Then he wanted two buns. He said '两个包子'. He realized that no matter what he bought, '个' was always there to help him.

Word Web

一个人两个苹果三个问题这个那个几个

Challenge

Look around your room and count 5 items using the structure [Number] + 个 + [Noun].

Cultural Notes

In Beijing, people often add an 'r' sound to words, but '个' remains standard.

The usage is identical, but the pronunciation of 'gè' might be slightly more clipped.

Cantonese has its own complex classifier system, but they use '个' in Mandarin exactly as described.

The character 个 was originally a picture of a bamboo stalk.

Conversation Starters

“

你家里有几个人？

“

你想要几个苹果？

“

这个电影好吗？

“

你有几个好朋友？

Journal Prompts

Write about your family members using the counter 个.
Describe 3 things on your desk.
List 3 problems you have and how to solve them.
Discuss your favorite movie and why it is a good one.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct measure word.

我有___苹果。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 个
苹果 is a general object, so use 个.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 三个人
Structure is Number + 个 + Noun.
Fix the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

二个学生

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两个学生
Use 两 for quantity.
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: 我有三个苹果
Subject + Verb + Number + Classifier + Noun.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

One person.

Answer starts with: 一个人...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一个人
Number + 个 + Noun.
Match the number and noun. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两个
Two people is 两个.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '这个' and '电影'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个电影很好
Demonstrative + Classifier + Noun.
Choose the correct question. Multiple Choice

How many students?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 几个学生
几 + 个 + Noun.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct measure word.

我有___苹果。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 个
苹果 is a general object, so use 个.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 三个人
Structure is Number + 个 + Noun.
Fix the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

二个学生

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两个学生
Use 两 for quantity.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

个 / 我 / 三 / 有 / 苹果

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我有三个苹果
Subject + Verb + Number + Classifier + Noun.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

One person.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一个人
Number + 个 + Noun.
Match the number and noun. Match Pairs

Match 2 + people.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两个
Two people is 两个.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '这个' and '电影'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个电影很好
Demonstrative + Classifier + Noun.
Choose the correct question. Multiple Choice

How many students?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 几个学生
几 + 个 + Noun.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the phrase for 'this person'. Fill in the Blank

___人 (This person)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个
Fix the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

我有二个苹果。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我有两个苹果。
Rearrange the words to say 'I have a question'. Sentence Reorder

问题 (question) / 一个 (one unit) / 我 (I) / 有 (have)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我有一个问题
Which phrase is correct for 'three months'? Multiple Choice

Select the correct translation:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 三个月 (sān ge yuè)
Translate 'that one' into Chinese. Translation

That one

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那个 (nà ge)
Match the Chinese phrase to the English meaning. Match Pairs

Match items

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["\u4e00\u4e2a\u4eba","\u8fd9\u4e2a","\u51e0\u4e2a"]
Complete the sentence: 'She is a good student.' Fill in the Blank

她是___好学生。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一个
Identify the error. Error Correction

Check this sentence: 我看三书 (I read three books).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我看三本书。
Which word is the measure word in: 三个苹果? Multiple Choice

Identify the measure word:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 个
Put these in order: 'How many people?' Sentence Reorder

人 (people) / 个 (MW) / 几 (how many)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 几个人？

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

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.

People will understand you, but it sounds like 'broken' Chinese.

Yes, it is very common for people.

本 is specific to books, 个 is general.

Yes, it is used in all registers.

Some nouns don't need classifiers, but they are rare for beginners.

Count items around you every day.

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

Un/Una

Chinese requires a classifier between the number and noun.

French low

Un/Une

Chinese classifiers are based on object type, not gender.

German low

Ein/Eine

Chinese classifiers are independent of grammatical case.

Japanese high

Ko (個)

Japanese classifiers are often attached to the number.

Arabic none

None

Chinese is much simpler with a universal classifier.

Chinese high

个

Dialects might use different words like '只' or '个'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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

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