A2 Measure Words 14 min read Easy

Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words

To say 'this/that thing' in Chinese, you must use the pattern 'this/that + measure word + thing'.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To point at something, use '这' (this) or '那' (that) followed by a measure word and the noun.

  • Use {这|zhè} for items close to you: {这|zhè} + {个|gè} + {苹果|píngguǒ} (this apple).
  • Use {那|nà} for items far away: {那|nà} + {本|běn} + {书|shū} (that book).
  • Always include the measure word between the demonstrative and the noun.
这/那 + Measure Word + Noun

Overview

Mandarin Chinese fundamentally categorizes nouns, a linguistic characteristic known as classifiers or measure words. Unlike English, where demonstratives like "this" or "that" can directly precede a noun (e.g., "this book," "that car"), Chinese requires an intervening measure word. This rule is absolute: you cannot say 这书 (this book) or 那车 (that car).

Instead, you must insert an appropriate measure word, forming structures like 这本书 (this běn book) or 那辆车 (that liàng car). Mastering this pattern is crucial for natural and grammatically correct Chinese, reflecting a deeper conceptualization of objects within the language.

This system highlights a key difference in how English and Chinese structure nominal phrases. English focuses on direct modification, while Chinese employs a classificatory layer. The measure word acts as a bridge, linking the demonstrative (这 for proximity, 那 for distance) to the specific noun it refers to.

While there are numerous measure words, each typically associated with particular categories of nouns (e.g., 本 for bound items like books, 辆 for vehicles), the general measure word 个 (gè) serves as a versatile placeholder for many nouns, especially when starting. However, relying solely on 个 limits precision and fluency, as it often indicates a learner's incomplete grasp of the specific classifiers.

Understanding the inherent classificatory nature of Chinese nouns is more important than rote memorization. Every time you encounter a new noun, learn its primary measure word alongside it. This approach integrates the classifier into your vocabulary, allowing you to correctly form phrases like 这个想法 (this ge idea) or 那只狗 (that zhī dog), enhancing both accuracy and comprehension.

How This Grammar Works

Chinese nouns do not possess inherent countability in the same way English nouns do. You cannot simply attach a number or a demonstrative pronoun directly to them. Instead, nouns are always "classified" into categories using measure words.
These classifiers provide a semantic bridge, defining the noun's quantity or acting as a specific unit when paired with a demonstrative like 这 (zhè, this) or 那 (nà, that). This grammatical requirement underscores a fundamental aspect of Sinitic languages, distinguishing them from Indo-European languages where countability is often intrinsic to the noun itself.
The demonstrative pronoun 这 indicates an object or concept that is proximate to the speaker, either physically (e.g., something you can touch or are holding) or conceptually (e.g., a recent idea, a current topic). Conversely, 那 signifies an object or concept that is distal from the speaker, located further away physically or referring to something past, hypothetical, or previously mentioned. The choice between 这 and 那 therefore establishes a spatial or temporal relationship between the speaker and the referent.
The measure word itself acts as the unit of classification. For example, 本 (běn) is used for books and other bound volumes, classifying them as discrete, bound entities. 辆 (liàng) is used for wheeled vehicles, categorizing them by their mode of transport.
件 (jiàn) applies to items of clothing, events, or abstract matters, grouping them as distinct pieces or occurrences. This classificatory function ensures clarity and adheres to the structural principles of Chinese grammar. Consider 这杯茶 (zhè bēi chá), meaning "this cup of tea"; here, 杯 (bēi) explicitly classifies the tea as being in a cup, rather than implying the tea's form.
Similarly, 那个问题 (nà ge wèntí), "that question," uses 个 to classify the abstract noun 问题 (wèntí) as a discrete item.
By consistently applying the Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun structure, you provide complete and unambiguous nominal phrases. This grammatical pattern is less about mere word order and more about the inherent properties and classification of nouns in the Chinese language. It is a system that reinforces precision, requiring speakers to actively categorize objects and ideas before referring to them.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming demonstrative noun phrases in Chinese follows a precise and consistent pattern. This structure is one of the most fundamental in Mandarin grammar and, once understood, offers no significant exceptions. The formula is a three-part sequence:
2
Demonstrative (这/那) + Measure Word + Noun
3
Demonstrative (指示代词): You begin by selecting the appropriate demonstrative pronoun. Use 这 (zhè) for things that are close to you, indicating proximity. Use 那 (nà) for things that are further away, indicating distance. This distinction applies whether the distance is physical, temporal, or conceptual.
4
Measure Word (量词): The next component is the measure word, which is specific to the noun that follows. This word acts as a classifier, categorizing the noun. While 个 (gè) is a general measure word applicable to many nouns, using the specific measure word enhances fluency and precision. Learning nouns and their primary measure words as inseparable pairs is the most effective strategy.
5
Noun (名词): Finally, you place the noun itself. This is the object, person, concept, or event you are referring to.
6
Here is a table illustrating the application of this formula with various common measure words:
7
| Structure | Pinyin | English Equivalent | Notes |
8
| :------------------ | :------------------ | :------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- |
9
| 这 + 个 + 人 | zhè ge rén | This person | 个 is the most common measure word, used for people and many abstract nouns. |
10
| 那 + 本 + 书 | nà běn shū | That book | 本 is used for books, magazines, and other bound items. |
11
| 这 + 辆 + 车 | zhè liàng chē | This car | 辆 is used for wheeled vehicles (cars, bicycles). |
12
| 那 + 杯 + 茶 | nà bēi chá | That cup of tea | 杯 is used for drinks in a cup. |
13
| 这 + 件 + 衣服 | zhè jiàn yīfu | This piece of clothing | 件 is used for items of clothing, affairs, or matters. |
14
| 那 + 张 + 桌子 | nà zhāng zhuōzi | That table | 张 is used for flat objects (paper, tables, beds). |
15
| 这 + 只 + 狗 | zhè zhī gǒu | This dog | 只 is used for most animals, one of a pair. |
16
To construct such phrases, first identify the noun, then recall its corresponding measure word, and finally select the appropriate demonstrative based on proximity. For instance, to say "this movie," you know 电影 (diànyǐng, movie) takes the measure word 部 (bù), resulting in 这部电影 (zhè bù diànyǐng). To say "that question," 问题 (wèntí, question) typically uses 个, yielding 那个问题 (nà ge wèntí).

When To Use It

The Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun structure is ubiquitous in Mandarin Chinese, appearing whenever you need to specify "this" or "that" in reference to a noun. Its application extends beyond physical objects to abstract concepts, making it indispensable for clear and precise communication. Any situation where English would use "this X" or "that X" mandates this Chinese grammatical pattern.
  • Identifying Specific Objects: When you are pointing out a particular item in a group, such as in a shop, a museum, or a classroom. For example, if you are shopping for a particular jacket, you might say: 店员，这件衣服多少钱？ (diànyuán, zhè jiàn yīfu duōshǎo qián? – Salesperson, how much is this piece of clothing?). Or pointing to an art piece: 那幅画很特别。 (nà fú huà hěn tèbié. – That painting is very special.)
  • Referring to Prior Mentions or Contexts: When discussing something that has already been introduced in conversation or is understood from context. This applies to both physical items and abstract topics. For instance, 我喜欢那本书的故事情节。 (wǒ xǐhuān nà běn shū de gùshì qíngjié. – I like that book's plot.) Here, 那本书 refers to a specific book already known to the listener. Similarly, 这个想法听起来不错。 (zhè ge xiǎngfǎ tīng qǐlái bùcuò. – This idea sounds good.) refers to a recently proposed idea.
  • Making Choices or Comparisons: When contrasting two or more options, this structure allows for clear differentiation. 这部手机比那部手机贵。 (zhè bù shǒujī bǐ nà bù shǒujī guì. – This mobile phone is more expensive than that one.) Here, 这部手机 and 那部手机 precisely distinguish between two specific phones.
  • Describing Abstract Concepts: This pattern is not limited to tangible items. Abstract nouns like ideas, issues, or events also require a measure word. For example, 那个问题很难解决。 (nà ge wèntí hěn nán jiějué. – That problem is very difficult to solve.) or 这件事很重要。 (zhè jiàn shì hěn zhòngyào. – This matter is very important.)
  • In Narrative and Descriptive Contexts: When recounting events or describing scenes, the structure provides specificity. 那天发生了一件奇怪的事。 (nà tiān fāshēng le yī jiàn qíguài de shì. – That day, a strange thing happened.) 那 refers to a specific day in the past, and 件 classifies the 事 (matter/thing).
In essence, any time you intend to specify which particular noun (among potentially many) you are discussing, this grammatical pattern is the correct and necessary choice. It is a fundamental building block for constructing clear and referentially unambiguous sentences in Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when using 这/那 with measure words. Recognizing these common errors is key to developing accurate and natural Chinese.
  1. 1Omitting the Measure Word Entirely: This is the most prevalent error for beginners. Direct translation from English often leads to phrases like 这车 (this car) or 那书 (that book). These constructions are ungrammatical in Mandarin. Chinese requires a measure word between the demonstrative and the noun. For example, *我想买这车 is incorrect; the correct form is 我想买这辆车 (wǒ xiǎng mǎi zhè liàng chē – I want to buy this car). Failing to include the measure word makes the sentence sound unnatural and incomplete to a native speaker.
  1. 1Over-generalization with 个 (gè): While 个 is indeed the most common and versatile measure word, it is not universally applicable. Using 个 for nouns that have a specific, distinct classifier marks a learner's incomplete understanding. For instance, 这个书 is incorrect; the proper measure word for books is 本, so it should be 这本书 (zhè běn shū). Similarly, 这个笔 is incorrect for a pen, which uses 支 (zhī), making it 这支笔 (zhè zhī bǐ). Using the correct specific measure word demonstrates a higher level of fluency and cultural understanding of how objects are categorized in Chinese.
  1. 1Confusing 这/那 with 这儿/那儿 (or 这里/那里):
这 and 那 are demonstrative pronouns that function as part of a noun phrase (这 + MW + Noun). 这儿 (zhèr) / 这里 (zhèli) and 那儿 (nàr) / 那里 (nàli) are locative adverbs meaning "here" and "there," respectively. They refer to places and can function as subjects or adverbs of place, but they do not modify nouns in the Demonstrative + MW + Noun structure.
| Structure | Function | Example (Pinyin) | English Equivalent |
| :------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------- | :------------------------------- | :------------------------- |
| 这/那 + MW + Noun | Points out a specific noun | 这本书 zhè běn shū | This book |
| 这儿/那儿 (or 这里/那里) | Refers to a location (here/there) | 这儿很安静。 zhèr hěn ānjìng. | It's quiet here. |
An incorrect usage would be *这里地方很漂亮 (here place is beautiful). The correct forms are either 这个地方很漂亮 (zhè ge dìfang hěn piàoliang – This place is beautiful) or 这里很漂亮 (zhèli hěn piàoliang – Here is beautiful). The adverbs 这儿/那儿 function independently of the Demonstrative + MW + Noun structure.
  1. 1Using a Measure Word with 是 (shì) + Noun: When 这 or 那 are followed directly by the verb 是 (to be) to identify something, a measure word is typically not required. The structure becomes 这/那 + 是 + Noun. For instance, 这是我朋友 (zhè shì wǒ péngyou – This is my friend) is correct. The phrase *这个人是我朋友 (this person is my friend) is redundant and unnatural because 是 already establishes the identity without needing the classifier. The measure word is only mandatory when the noun directly follows 这 or 那 to form a descriptive noun phrase.
  1. 1Confusing 这/那 + MW + Noun with Number + MW + Noun: Although both patterns use a measure word, their functions differ. 这/那 + MW + Noun specifies which item, while Number + MW + Noun specifies how many items.
| Structure | Function | Example (Pinyin) | English Equivalent |
| :------------------ | :------------------------- | :------------------------------- | :----------------- |
| 这/那 + MW + Noun | Identifies a specific item | 这本书 zhè běn shū | This book |
| Number + MW + Noun| Quantifies items | 一本书 yī běn shū | One book |
You cannot say 一书 just as you cannot say 这书. Both require the measure word. This parallel structure is helpful for reinforcing the mandatory nature of measure words.

Real Conversations

Understanding how 这/那 with measure words functions in authentic conversational contexts is vital. It appears constantly in daily interactions, from practical transactions to abstract discussions. These examples showcase its natural integration into spoken and written Chinese.

- In a clothing store:

A: 你觉得这件外套怎么样？ (nǐ juéde zhè jiàn wàitào zěnmeyàng? – What do you think of this jacket?)

B: 嗯，这件颜色太亮了，我更喜欢那件黑色的。 (èn, zhè jiàn yánsè tài liàng le, wǒ gèng xǐhuān nà jiàn hēisè de. – Hmm, this one's color is too bright, I prefer that black one.)

Here, 件 (jiàn) is used for pieces of clothing, and 这件 and 那件 refer to specific jackets within view.* 那件黑色的 is a shortened form of 那件黑色的外套.

- Discussing news or an event:

A: 你听说了吗？最近发生了一件大事。 (nǐ tīngshuō le ma? zuìjìn fāshēng le yī jiàn dàshì. – Have you heard? A big event happened recently.)

B: 是不是那件关于经济的新闻？ (shì bú shì nà jiàn guānyú jīngjì de xīnwén? – Is it that news about the economy?)

件 (jiàn) here classifies 大事 (major event) and 新闻 (news/report), referring to a specific, identifiable piece of information or event.

- Online shopping or browsing:

A: 我正在看这个网站。 (wǒ zhèngzài kàn zhè ge wǎngzhàn. – I'm looking at this website right now.)

B: 哦？你觉得那个手机壳好看吗？ (ò? nǐ juéde nà ge shǒujī ké hǎokàn ma? – Oh? Do you think that phone case looks good?)

个 (gè) is used for 网站 (website) and 手机壳 (phone case), indicating a general classification. The context of browsing online makes the distinction between 这 (current page/item) and 那 (another item on the page or previously viewed) clear.

- Making plans with friends:

A: 这周末我们去看那部电影怎么样？ (zhè zhōumò wǒmen qù kàn nà bù diànyǐng zěnmeyàng? – How about we go watch that movie this weekend?)

B: 好的，那部电影最近很火。 (hǎo de, nà bù diànyǐng zuìjìn hěn huǒ. – Okay, that movie is very popular recently.)

部 (bù) is the measure word for films and literary works. 这周末 (this weekend) uses 个 for 周 (week) but is often shortened to just 这 when combined with 周末 as a temporal phrase. 那部电影 refers to a specific, agreed-upon film.

- Giving directions or pointing something out:

A: 餐厅在哪里？ (cāntīng zài nǎli? – Where is the restaurant?)

B: 看到那栋楼了吗？就在那栋楼的旁边。 (kàndào nà dòng lóu le ma? jiù zài nà dòng lóu de pángbiān. – See that building? It's right next to that building.)

栋 (dòng) is the measure word for buildings. 那栋楼 precisely identifies a specific building in the vicinity.

These examples illustrate that the Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun structure is not merely a grammatical rule but a fundamental component of natural Chinese communication, used to clarify referents in diverse situations.

Quick FAQ

Addressing common queries helps solidify understanding and clarify lingering doubts about using 这/那 with measure words.
  • Do I absolutely have to use a measure word every single time?
Yes, almost always. In standard Mandarin, omitting the measure word between a demonstrative (这/那) and a noun is ungrammatical. While highly colloquial or regional speech might occasionally drop them, for learners, adhering strictly to the Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun pattern is essential for correctness and clarity.
Consider it a non-negotiable part of forming accurate nominal phrases.
  • What happens if I use the wrong measure word? Will I be misunderstood or sound strange?
You will generally be understood, but it might sound a little unnatural or mark you as a non-native speaker. For instance, saying *那张狗 (nà zhāng gǒu – using 张 for a dog) instead of 那只狗 (nà zhī gǒu) is grammatically incorrect but unlikely to impede comprehension. Native speakers will usually mentally correct it or find it mildly amusing.
The goal is to progress from being understood to sounding natural and precise.
  • How can I effectively memorize all the measure words? It seems overwhelming.
Avoid trying to memorize them all at once. The most effective strategy is to learn each new noun together with its primary measure word as a single vocabulary unit. When you learn 书 (shū, book), learn 本 (běn) with it, forming 一本书 (yī běn shū) or 这本书 (zhè běn shū).
When you learn 笔 (bǐ, pen), learn 支 (zhī) with it, forming 一支笔 (yī zhī bǐ) or 这支笔 (zhè zhī bǐ). Focus on the most common measure words first (e.g., 个, 本, 件, 辆, 杯, 张, 只). As your vocabulary expands, you will naturally acquire more specific measure words.
  • Is 俩 (liǎ) a measure word?
No, 俩 (liǎ) is a colloquial contraction of 两个 (liǎng ge), meaning "two of something/some people." It functions similarly to two in English when referring to a pair, often used for people or general items. For example, 这俩人 (zhè liǎ rén) means "these two people." While it includes the sense of quantity, it is not a general classifier that can be paired with 这 or 那 for singular reference. It is specific to the quantity of "two."
  • Are there any instances where the measure word can be omitted after 这/那?
Yes, in a few specific and highly idiomatic contexts, particularly with certain temporal nouns, the measure word might be omitted. For instance, 这天 (zhè tiān – this day) or 那天 (nà tiān – that day) are common. Similarly, 这儿/这儿 and 那里/那儿 act as locative adverbs (here/there), in which case no measure word is needed.
However, these are exceptions, and the general rule of Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun should be the default for learners.

Demonstrative Construction Table

Pointer Measure Word Noun Meaning
这
个
人
This person
那
本
书
That book
这
张
桌子
This table
那
位
老师
That teacher
这
件
衣服
This piece of clothing
那
台
电脑
That computer

Meanings

These demonstratives are used to identify specific objects in space or discourse by indicating their proximity to the speaker.

1

Physical Proximity

Identifying objects based on physical distance.

“{这|zhè} {张|zhāng} {桌子|zhuōzi}”

“{那|nà} {位|wèi} {老师|lǎoshī}”

Reference Table

Reference table for Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
这/那 + MW + N
这本字典
Negative
这/那 + MW + N + 不 + V
那个人不是我
Question
这/那 + MW + N + 是 + 谁/什么?
这是什么?
Plural
这/那 + 些 + N
这些书
Polite
这/那 + 位 + N
这位先生

Formality Spectrum

Formal
这位是我的老师。

这位是我的老师。 (Introducing someone)

Neutral
这个人是我的老师。

这个人是我的老师。 (Introducing someone)

Informal
这人是我老师。

这人是我老师。 (Introducing someone)

Slang
这哥们是我老师。

这哥们是我老师。 (Introducing someone)

Demonstrative Pointer Map

Pointer

Close

  • 这 This

Far

  • 那 That
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Examples by Level

1

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {苹果|píngguǒ} {是|shì} {我|wǒ} {的|de}。

This apple is mine.

2

{那|nà} {个|gè} {人|rén} {是|shì} {谁|shéi}？

Who is that person?

3

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {书|shū} {很|hěn} {好|hǎo}。

This book is very good.

4

{那|nà} {张|zhāng} {桌子|zhuōzi} {大|dà}。

That table is big.

1

{这|zhè} {位|wèi} {老师|lǎoshī} {教|jiāo} {得|de} {很|hěn} {好|hǎo}。

This teacher teaches very well.

2

{那|nà} {件|jiàn} {衣服|yīfu} {不|bù} {是|shì} {我|wǒ} {的|de}。

That piece of clothing is not mine.

3

{你|nǐ} {要|yào} {这|zhè} {杯|bēi} {咖啡|kāfēi} {吗|ma}？

Do you want this cup of coffee?

4

{那|nà} {台|tái} {电脑|diànnǎo} {太|tài} {贵|guì} {了|le}。

That computer is too expensive.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {水果|shuǐguǒ} {我|wǒ} {没|méi} {吃|chī} {过|guò}。

I haven't eaten this kind of fruit before.

2

{那|nà} {次|cì} {旅行|lǚxíng} {真|zhēn} {让|ràng} {人|rén} {难忘|nánwàng}。

That trip was truly unforgettable.

3

{这|zhè} {些|xiē} {问题|wèntí} {很|hěn} {难|nán} {解决|jiějué}。

These problems are hard to solve.

4

{那|nà} {段|duàn} {时间|shíjiān} {我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {忙|máng}。

I was very busy during that period.

1

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {计划|jìhuà} {需要|xūyào} {更|gèng} {多|duō} {的|de} {支持|zhīchí}。

This project requires more support.

2

{那|nà} {种|zhǒng} {态度|tàidù} {是|shì} {不|bù} {可取|kěqǔ} {的|de}。

That kind of attitude is unacceptable.

3

{这|zhè} {位|wèi} {专家|zhuānjiā} {的|de} {观点|guāndiǎn} {很|hěn} {独特|dútè}。

This expert's viewpoint is very unique.

4

{那|nà} {家|jiā} {公司|gōngsī} {的|de} {产品|chǎnpǐn} {很|hěn} {畅销|chàngxiāo}。

That company's products are very popular.

1

{这|zhè} {番|fān} {话|huà} {让|ràng} {我|wǒ} {感触|gǎnchù} {很|hěn} {深|shēn}。

These words (this speech) moved me deeply.

2

{那|nà} {股|gǔ} {力量|lìliàng} {推动|tuīdòng} {着|zhe} {他|tā} {前行|qiánxíng}。

That force was pushing him forward.

3

{这|zhè} {道|dào} {难题|nántí} {困扰|kùnrǎo} {了|le} {我们|wǒmen} {很|hěn} {久|jiǔ}。

This difficult problem has troubled us for a long time.

4

{那|nà} {抹|mǒ} {夕阳|xīyáng} {美|měi} {得|de} {惊人|jīngrén}。

That streak of sunset was stunningly beautiful.

1

{这|zhè} {桩|zhuāng} {公案|gōng'àn} {在|zài} {历史|lìshǐ} {上|shàng} {争论|zhēnglùn} {已|yǐ} {久|jiǔ}。

This historical case has been debated for a long time.

2

{那|nà} {份|fèn} {执着|zhízhuó} {令|lìng} {人|rén} {敬佩|jìngpèi}。

That persistence is admirable.

3

{这|zhè} {席|xí} {谈话|tánhuà} {奠定|diàndìng} {了|le} {合作|hézuò} {的|de} {基础|jīchǔ}。

This conversation laid the foundation for cooperation.

4

{那|nà} {番|fān} {苦心|kǔxīn} {终究|zhōngjiù} {没|méi} {有|yǒu} {白费|báifèi}。

That painstaking effort was not in vain after all.

Easily Confused

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

Learners mix up proximity.

Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words vs Measure word vs No measure word

Learners forget the bridge.

Pointing with Words: Using 这/那 with Measure Words vs 个 vs Specific MW

Overusing 个.

Common Mistakes

✗

这书

✓

这本书

Missing measure word.
✗

书这

✓

这本书

Wrong word order.
✗

那苹果

✓

那个苹果

Missing measure word.
✗

这人

✓

这个人

Missing measure word.
✗

这本桌子

✓

这张桌子

Wrong measure word for table.
✗

那个人是我的

✓

那个人是我的

Grammatically okay, but contextually weird.
✗

这件书

✓

这本书

Wrong measure word.
✗

这一些书

✓

这些书

Redundant '一'.
✗

那书

✓

那本书

Still skipping measure words.
✗

这位桌子

✓

这张桌子

Using person measure for object.
✗

这番的决定

✓

这个决定

Overusing literary measure words.
✗

那项的计划

✓

那项计划

Unnecessary '的'.
✗

这道的问题

✓

这个问题

Incorrect measure word usage.

Sentence Patterns

___ + ___ + ___ + 是我的。

___ + ___ + ___ + 很好看。

___ + ___ + ___ + 不贵。

___ + ___ + ___ + 是谁？

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

我要这个。

Shopping very common

那件衣服多少钱？

Texting common

看这个！

Job interview occasional

这位是我的经理。

Travel common

那家酒店好吗？

Food delivery common

这单餐到了吗？

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💡

Use 个 as a backup

If you forget a measure word, '个' is usually acceptable.
⚠️

Don't skip the MW

Skipping it makes you sound like a beginner.
🎯

Observe native speakers

Listen to which MWs they use for common items.
💬

Politeness matters

Use '位' for people to show respect.

Smart Tips

Use '这个' to point at items.

我要书。 → 我要这本书。

Always use '位'.

这是老师。 → 这位是老师。

Use specific MWs.

那个电脑。 → 那台电脑。

Use '那次'.

那旅行。 → 那次旅行。

Pronunciation

zhè, nà

Tone of 这/那

这 (zhè) is 4th tone; 那 (nà) is 4th tone.

Statement

这本 书 ↘

Neutral declarative.

Question

这本 书 ↗

Inquisitive.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '这' as 'Zhe-re' (here) and '那' as 'Na-there' (there).

Visual Association

Imagine holding an apple close to your nose (这) and pointing at a star in the sky (那).

Rhyme

Close is Zhe, far is Na, add a measure word, you're a star!

Story

I hold this apple (这) and say 'yummy'. I point to that tree (那) and say 'tall'. I always remember to put the measure word in between.

Word Web

这那个本张位件

Challenge

Point at 5 things in your room and say their names using '这' and the correct measure word.

Cultural Notes

Measure words are strictly used in standard Mandarin.

Similar usage, but sometimes '那' is pronounced 'nèi'.

They often use '呢' (ni1) for 'this'.

Demonstratives in Chinese evolved from ancient pronouns.

Conversation Starters

“

你喜欢这本书吗？

“

那个人是谁？

“

你觉得这件衣服怎么样？

“

你怎么看这个计划？

Journal Prompts

Describe three things on your desk.
Write about a person you admire.
Compare a book you read to a movie you saw.
Discuss a current event using demonstratives.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct measure word.

这___书很好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 本
Books use 本.
Choose the correct demonstrative. Multiple Choice

___ (That) 个人是谁？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那
That = 那.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

这桌子很大。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这张桌子很大
Need MW 张.
Order the words. Sentence Building

书 / 这 / 本 / 是 / 我 / 的

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这本书是我的
Correct order.
Match the noun to the MW. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
Correct pairings.
Fill in the correct MW.

那___电脑很贵。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 台
Computers use 台.
Select the best fit. Multiple Choice

___ (This) 位老师很严。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这
This = 这.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

那个人不是我。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那个人不是我
Sentence is correct.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct measure word.

这___书很好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 本
Books use 本.
Choose the correct demonstrative. Multiple Choice

___ (That) 个人是谁？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那
That = 那.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

这桌子很大。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这张桌子很大
Need MW 张.
Order the words. Sentence Building

书 / 这 / 本 / 是 / 我 / 的

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这本书是我的
Correct order.
Match the noun to the MW. Match Pairs

Match: 1.人, 2.书, 3.桌子

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
Correct pairings.
Fill in the correct MW.

那___电脑很贵。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 台
Computers use 台.
Select the best fit. Multiple Choice

___ (This) 位老师很严。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这
This = 这.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

那个人不是我。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那个人不是我
Sentence is correct.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct measure word. Fill in the Blank

{___ {辆|liàng} {自行车|zìxíngchē} 是谁的？|___ liàng zìxíngchē shì shéi de?}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那
Fill in the blank with the correct measure word. Fill in the Blank

{这 ___ {猫|māo} 很可爱。|Zhè ___ māo hěn kě'ài.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 只
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

How do you say 'This cup of tea is too hot'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {这杯茶太烫了。|Zhè bēi chá tài tàng le.}
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

{那张人是谁？|Nà zhāng rén shì shéi?}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {那个人是谁？|Nà ge rén shì shéi?}
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

很 / 那 / 贵 / 件 / 衣服

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 那件衣服很贵
Translate the following sentence to Chinese: Translation

I don't know this person.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我不认识这个人。|Wǒ bù rènshì zhè ge rén.}
Match the noun to its correct measure word. Match Pairs

Match the items.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["\u4e66 (sh\u016b)-\u672c (b\u011bn)","\u8f66 (ch\u0113)-\u8f86 (li\u00e0ng)","\u7167\u7247 (zh\u00e0opi\u00e0n)-\u5f20 (zh\u0101ng)","\u732b (m\u0101o)-\u53ea (zh\u012b)"]
Choose the most polite option. Multiple Choice

You are a receptionist helping a new client. How do you refer to them?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {这位先生|Zhè wèi xiānshēng}
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

{那本电脑很新。|Nà běn diànnǎo hěn xīn.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {那台电脑很新。|Nà tái diànnǎo hěn xīn.}
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{这 ___ {问题|wèntí} 有点难。|Zhè ___ wèntí yǒudiǎn nán.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 个

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, it's a universal measure word, but specific ones sound better.

Use '个' or just point.

Yes, it indicates proximity.

It is a polite measure word.

No, it's grammatically incorrect.

No, but you can use '那些'.

Memorize them with the noun.

Some nouns don't need MWs, but most do.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish partial

este/ese

Chinese requires a measure word.

French partial

ce/cette

Chinese uses measure words instead of gender.

German partial

dieser/jener

Chinese is invariant.

Japanese high

kore/sore

Japanese counters are often suffixes.

Arabic partial

hatha/thalika

Chinese lacks gender.

Chinese high

这/那

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Counting Books: The Measure Word (běn)

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