Counting Long & Wavy Things: 条 (tiáo)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {条|tiáo} to count long, thin, or flexible objects like fish, pants, rivers, or roads.
- Use {条|tiáo} for long, thin objects: {一|yī}{条|tiáo}{鱼|yú} (one fish).
- Use {条|tiáo} for flexible, wavy things: {一|yī}{条|tiáo}{河|hé} (one river).
- Use {条|tiáo} for abstract long things: {一|yī}{条|tiáo}{建议|jiànyì} (one piece of advice).
Overview
Chinese measure words, also known as classifiers, are a fundamental component of the language that often presents a unique challenge to learners accustomed to European grammatical structures. Unlike languages such as English, where a simple indefinite article like "a" or a number can directly precede most nouns, Chinese typically requires a measure word to bridge the gap between a number or demonstrative pronoun and the noun it modifies. These classifiers don't just quantify; they categorize, adding a layer of semantic information about the noun's inherent qualities, such as its shape, size, or function.
The measure word 条 (tiáo) is one of the most versatile and frequently encountered classifiers in Chinese, particularly for A2-level learners. At its core, 条 (tiáo) is used to count nouns that are characteristically long, narrow, and often flexible or linear. This grammatical tool allows you to describe objects, geographical features, and even abstract concepts with greater precision and a more native-like fluency.
Mastering 条 (tiáo) is crucial not only for grammatical correctness but also for conveying subtle nuances that a generic measure word like 个 (gè) would omit.
How This Grammar Works
条 (tiáo) provides a semantic descriptor, indicating that the noun possesses qualities of length and linearity.条 (tiáo) isn't arbitrary; it reflects an intuitive understanding of physical form and spatial arrangement. Objects that can be conceived as a "strip," "strand," or "line" often take 条 (tiáo). This includes both tangible items that are physically long and pliable, such as a rope or a scarf, and broader, less concrete entities that share a linear characteristic, like a river winding across a landscape or a message scrolling down a screen.一条鱼 (yì tiáo yú), the 条 (tiáo) immediately conjures an image of a fish's elongated body, rather than a more abstract, generic "one fish."条 (tiáo) serve to connect a numeral (e.g., 一 (yī), 两 (liǎng), 三 (sān)) or a demonstrative pronoun (e.g., 这 (zhè) 'this', 那 (nà) 'that') with a noun. Without this intermediary, the phrase would sound incomplete and ungrammatical to a native speaker. The classifier effectively transforms the noun into a quantifiable unit that fits the Chinese grammatical structure.一条河 (yì tiáo hé), literally "one strip-like river," giving form and dimension to the geographical feature.Formation Pattern
条 (tiáo), like all Chinese measure words, is highly consistent and follows a rigid structure. Understanding this structure is key to applying the measure word correctly in various contexts.
条 (tiáo) is inserted directly between the number and the noun.
一 | yī | one |
条 | tiáo | (classifier)|
裤子 | kùzi | pants |
条 (tiáo) + Noun
一条鱼 (yì tiáo yú) – One fish (literally: one [long, narrow unit of] fish)
两条路 (liǎng tiáo lù) – Two roads (literally: two [linear unit of] roads). Note the use of 两 (liǎng) for 'two' before measure words, not 二 (èr).
三条短信 (sān tiáo duǎnxìn) – Three text messages (literally: three [strip-like unit of] messages)
条 (tiáo) still plays its essential role, maintaining the integrity of the noun phrase structure.
这 | zhè | this |
条 | tiáo | (classifier)|
裙子 | qúnzi | skirt |
条 (tiáo) + Noun
这条裤子 (zhè tiáo kùzi) – This pair of pants (literally: this [long, narrow unit of] pants)
那条河 (nà tiáo hé) – That river (literally: that [linear unit of] river)
哪条街 (nǎ tiáo jiē) – Which street? (literally: which [linear unit of] street)
条 (tiáo) is non-negotiable for grammatical correctness and natural expression. It reinforces the characteristic of length and linearity that defines the associated noun within the Chinese linguistic framework.
When To Use It
条 (tiáo) is broad but consistently rooted in the concept of long, narrow, or linear forms. Understanding its various categories of use will help you identify when to apply it correctly.条 (tiáo) is predominantly used for garments that cover the lower body or are inherently long and flexible when worn. This category intuitively links to the perceived length of human legs or the linear form of the clothing item itself.- Pants/Trousers: Any form of pants, regardless of style, typically takes
条 (tiáo). This includes jeans, trousers, and sweatpants. 我买了一条新裤子。 (Wǒ mǎi le yì tiáo xīn kùzi.)– I bought a new pair of pants.- Skirts/Dresses: Even short skirts or dresses that combine a top and a bottom part (like
连衣裙 (liányīqún)) are counted with条 (tiáo). The historical context of dresses being long, even if modern styles are short, maintains this usage. 她穿了一条漂亮的裙子。 (Tā chuān le yì tiáo piàoliang de qúnzi.)– She wore a beautiful skirt.- Shorts: Despite their name, shorts are considered lower-body garments and follow the same rule.
夏天我喜欢穿短裤。 (Xiàtiān wǒ xǐhuān chuān duǎnkù.)– In summer, I like to wear shorts.- Scarves, Ties, Belts: These accessories are inherently long and flexible, fitting the core characteristic of
条 (tiáo)perfectly. 他系了一条领带。 (Tā jì le yì tiáo lǐngdài.)– He tied a necktie.
条 (tiáo) is the designated measure word for animals characterized by their elongated or linear body shapes, particularly those that slither or swim.- Fish: Most fish, with their typically long and streamlined bodies, are counted with
条 (tiáo). 池塘里有几条鱼。 (Chítáng lǐ yǒu jǐ tiáo yú.)– There are a few fish in the pond.- Snakes and Dragons: These mythical or real creatures are archetypal examples of long, sinuous forms.
博物馆里有一条很大的蛇。 (Bówùguǎn lǐ yǒu yì tiáo hěn dà de shé.)– There is a very big snake in the museum.- Dogs (Contextual): While
只 (zhī)is more common for dogs,条 (tiáo)is also frequently used, especially to emphasize the dog's length or build, or in more colloquial speech, particularly for larger or stray dogs. It highlights the dog's body as a 'strip'. 路上跑着一条流浪狗。 (Lùshang pǎo zhe yì tiáo liúlànggǒu.)– There’s a stray dog running on the road.
条 (tiáo) is the appropriate classifier.- Rivers: Rivers are classic examples of long, winding natural lines.
这条河很长。 (Zhè tiáo hé hěn cháng.)– This river is very long.- Roads, Streets, Paths: Any thoroughfare, whether paved or unpaved, is typically counted with
条 (tiáo)due to its linear extension. 我们走了两条街才找到。 (Wǒmen zǒu le liǎng tiáo jiē cái zhǎodào.)– We walked two streets before finding it.- Railway Lines, Cables, Wires: These human-made linear structures also fall under the domain of
条 (tiáo). 那儿有好多条电线。 (Nàr yǒu hǎoduō tiáo diànxiàn.)– There are many electric wires there.
条 (tiáo) extends metaphorically to abstract concepts or digital information that can be conceptualized as a continuous "strip" or "item" of data.- News Items/Messages: Individual pieces of news (
新闻 (xīnwén)) or text messages (短信 (duǎnxìn)) are counted this way, as if they are distinct lines or entries in a feed. 我收到两条短信。 (Wǒ shōudào liǎng tiáo duǎnxìn.)– I received two text messages.- Rules, Policies, Suggestions: Individual regulations (
规定 (guīdìng)), pieces of advice (建议 (jiànyì)), or clauses can be seen as linear statements. 公司新出台了几条规定。 (Gōngsī xīn chūtái le jǐ tiáo guīdìng.)– The company newly introduced a few rules.- Life/Destiny (
命 (mìng)): In certain idiomatic expressions,条 (tiáo)can even count "life," implying a linear path or thread of existence. 捡回一条命。 (Jiǎn huí yì tiáo mìng.)– To narrowly escape death (literally: to pick back one life).
Common Mistakes
条 (tiáo), primarily due to interference from their native language's lack of classifiers or confusion with other Chinese measure words. Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward correcting them.个 (gè) Trap条 (tiáo) with the generic measure word 个 (gè). While 个 (gè) is highly versatile and acceptable for many nouns, using it for objects that specifically require 条 (tiáo) sounds unnatural, unrefined, and can sometimes be confusing. It strips the noun of its descriptive quality.- Incorrect:
✗ 一个裤子 (yí gè kùzi) - Correct:
✓ 一条裤子 (yì tiáo kùzi)– Using个 (gè)here sounds like you're referring to an undifferentiated 'unit' of pants, rather than a pair with its characteristic length. - Incorrect:
✗ 一个鱼 (yí gè yú) - Correct:
✓ 一条鱼 (yì tiáo yú)– A fish's body shape is its defining characteristic here.
条 (tiáo) with 根 (gēn): Flexibility vs. Rigidity条 (tiáo) and 根 (gēn) are used for long, narrow objects, leading to frequent confusion. The key distinction lies in flexibility and rigidity.条 (tiáo) | Long, narrow, flexible, or linear (can bend or curve) | 裤子 (kùzi) 'pants', 河 (hé) 'river', 绳子 (shéngzi) 'rope', 围巾 (wéijīn) 'scarf' |根 (gēn) | Long, narrow, rigid, or stiff (less pliable) | 棍子 (gùnzi) 'stick', 香蕉 (xiāngjiāo) 'banana', 头发 (tóufa) 'strand of hair', 铅笔 (qiānbǐ) 'pencil' |- Incorrect:
✗ 一根河 (yì gēn hé)– A river is linear but not rigid. - Correct:
✓ 一条河 (yì tiáo hé) - Incorrect:
✗ 一条香蕉 (yì tiáo xiāngjiāo)– A banana is long but has a firm structure. - Correct:
✓ 一根香蕉 (yì gēn xiāngjiāo)
条 (tiáo) from 只 (zhī) for Animals条 (tiáo) is for long, slithery animals, 只 (zhī) is typically for animals that are perceived as smaller, more compact, or rounded. This distinction is crucial for animals like dogs.只 (zhī): Used for most birds, cats, rabbits, and generally smaller or more stout animals. Also for one of a pair (e.g., one shoe).一只猫 (yì zhī māo)– One cat一只鸟 (yì zhī niǎo)– One bird条 (tiáo): Used for fish, snakes, dragons, and sometimes dogs when emphasizing length.
- Incorrect:
✗ 一条猫 (yì tiáo māo)– Unless the cat is a literal line, this is incorrect. - Correct:
✓ 一只猫 (yì zhī māo)
条 (tiáo) vs. 件 (jiàn) for Clothing条 (tiáo) and 件 (jiàn).条 (tiáo): Specifically for lower body garments (pants, skirts, shorts) and long, flexible accessories (scarves, ties).件 (jiàn): Primarily for upper body garments (shirts, coats, jackets) and abstract事 (shì)'matters/things'.
- Incorrect:
✗ 一条衬衫 (yì tiáo chènshān)– A shirt is an upper-body garment. - Correct:
✓ 一件衬衫 (yí jiàn chènshān)
腿 (tuǐ)) are long, using 一条腿 (yì tiáo tuǐ) implies a detached leg or a person with only one leg, which is generally not the intended meaning. For describing a person's legs, you would usually just say 两条腿 (liǎng tiáo tuǐ) or refer to 腿 (tuǐ) in general. Similarly, 胳膊 (gēbo) 'arm' does not take 条 (tiáo).- Incorrect:
✗ 我有两条胳膊。 (Wǒ yǒu liǎng tiáo gēbo.) - Correct:
✓ 我有两只胳膊。 (Wǒ yǒu liǎng zhī gēbo.)(though often just我的胳膊 (wǒ de gēbo)is used)
条 (tiáo) for People条 (tiáo) is not used to count people. The standard measure word for people is 个 (gè) or the respectful 位 (wèi). The only notable exception is the idiom 一条好汉 (yì tiáo hǎohàn) 'a brave hero/tough guy', which is a fixed, literary expression and not for general use.- Incorrect:
✗ 一条老师 (yì tiáo lǎoshī) - Correct:
✓ 一个老师 (yí gè lǎoshī)or✓ 一位老师 (yí wèi lǎoshī)
Real Conversations
To truly grasp 条 (tiáo), it's essential to see how it functions in authentic, modern Chinese communication. These examples reflect common scenarios in daily life, ranging from casual chat to more structured information exchange.
1. Shopping for Clothes:
When buying or discussing clothing, especially lower body garments, 条 (tiáo) is indispensable.
- Friend A: 你觉得这条裤子怎么样？ (Nǐ juéde zhè tiáo kùzi zěnmeyàng?) – What do you think about this pair of pants?
- Friend B: 这条裙子也很好看，你试试吧。 (Zhè tiáo qúnzi yě hěn hǎokàn, nǐ shìshì ba.) – This skirt also looks good, try it on.
2. Describing the Environment or Directions:
In urban or natural settings, 条 (tiáo) helps delineate linear features.
- Asking Directions: 这条街叫什么名字？ (Zhè tiáo jiē jiào shénme míngzi?) – What's the name of this street?
- Nature Observation: 你看，那条河里有好多鱼！ (Nǐ kàn, nà tiáo hé lǐ yǒu hǎoduō yú!) – Look, there are so many fish in that river!
3. Digital Communication and Information:
In the digital age, 条 (tiáo) has extended its usage to abstract "lines" or "items" of information, reflecting how we consume content.
- Texting: 我刚给你发了一条微信。 (Wǒ gāng gěi nǐ fā le yì tiáo wēixìn.) – I just sent you a WeChat message.
- News/Social Media: 你看到今天那条新闻了吗？ (Nǐ kàndào jīntiān nà tiáo xīnwén le ma?) – Did you see that news item today?
- (Referring to a post on social media) 他发了一条朋友圈，挺有意思的。 (Tā fā le yì tiáo péngyǒuquān, tǐng yǒuyìsi de.) – He posted a WeChat Moment, it’s quite interesting.
4. Making Suggestions or Explaining Rules:
When listing discrete pieces of advice or regulations, 条 (tiáo) provides a clear count.
- Giving Advice: 我有几条建议，希望能帮到你。 (Wǒ yǒu jǐ tiáo jiànyì, xīwàng néng bāng dào nǐ.) – I have a few suggestions, hope they can help you.
- Reviewing Regulations: 请记住这条规定，下次别忘了。 (Qǐng jìzhu zhè tiáo guīdìng, xiàcì bié wàng le.) – Please remember this rule, don’t forget next time.
These examples illustrate that 条 (tiáo) is not merely a dry grammatical rule but an active and integral part of everyday Chinese, enriching expressions with specificity and natural flow. Observing and mimicking these patterns will significantly enhance your communicative ability.
Quick FAQ
条 (tiáo), addressing common points of confusion and providing further clarification.条 (tiáo) only for objects that are physically flexible? What about roads, which are hard?Not exclusively. While flexibility is a primary characteristic for many nouns taking 条 (tiáo), the core concept is linearity and length. Roads (路 (lù)), rivers (河 (hé)), and streets (街 (jiē)) are counted with 条 (tiáo) because they extend in a linear fashion, often winding or stretching over distances. Even though they are physically hard or fixed, their perceived form is long and strip-like, fitting the classifier's semantic domain. This demonstrates the metaphorical extension of measure words.
连衣裙 (liányīqún)) counted with 条 (tiáo) if it covers the upper and lower body?The usage for dresses primarily stems from historical precedent and the visual prominence of the garment's length. Traditionally, dresses were long, flowing garments. Even with modern shorter styles, the measure word 条 (tiáo) has been retained due to linguistic inertia and the continuous, unbroken form of the dress from top to bottom. It emphasizes the overall elongated silhouette rather than separate upper and lower components, solidifying its association with lower body garments which are predominantly long.
条 (tiáo) for human body parts like legs (腿 (tuǐ))?Generally, no, not in the sense of counting your own healthy limbs. While 腿 (tuǐ) are long, saying 一条腿 (yì tiáo tuǐ) would imply a detached leg, or referring to someone who has only one leg. If you want to say "two legs," you simply use 两条腿 (liǎng tiáo tuǐ), but in natural conversation, you typically just refer to 腿 (tuǐ) generally, e.g., 我的腿很酸 (wǒ de tuǐ hěn suān) 'My legs are sore'. For arms (胳膊 (gēbo)), 只 (zhī) is sometimes used, but often the noun is used without a classifier when referring to one's own body parts.
条 (tiáo) different from 串 (chuàn)? Both seem to involve linear things.This is a subtle but important distinction. 条 (tiáo) signifies a single, continuous, and often somewhat independent linear item (e.g., a river, a piece of news). 串 (chuàn) (meaning 'string', 'bunch', 'cluster') is used for items that are linked together or form a series, often on a string or in a connected sequence. For instance, 一串葡萄 (yí chuàn pútáo) 'a bunch of grapes' or 一串钥匙 (yí chuàn yàoshi) 'a bunch of keys'. While both have a linear aspect, 串 (chuàn) implies a collection of discrete items strung together, whereas 条 (tiáo) refers to the single, self-contained linear entity.
毛巾 (máojīn)) or blankets (毯子 (tǎnzi))?Yes, these items are often counted with 条 (tiáo) because they are typically long, rectangular, and flexible. They can be folded or rolled but their inherent shape when spread out is elongated and linear, fitting the core characteristic of 条 (tiáo).
给我一条毛巾。 (Gěi wǒ yì tiáo máojīn.)– Give me a towel.
条 (tiáo), you can navigate its usage with greater confidence and accuracy, bringing you closer to native-like proficiency in Chinese.Measure Word Structure
| Number | Measure Word | Noun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
一
|
条
|
鱼
|
一条鱼
|
|
两
|
条
|
裤子
|
两条裤子
|
|
三
|
条
|
河
|
三条河
|
|
几
|
条
|
路
|
几条路
|
|
这
|
条
|
街
|
这条街
|
|
那
|
条
|
建议
|
那条建议
|
Meanings
A measure word used primarily for objects that are long, thin, and often flexible or wavy in shape.
Physical Objects
Long, thin, or flexible physical items.
“{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{鱼|yú}”
“{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{裤子|kùzi}”
Geographical Features
Linear geographical formations.
“{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{河|hé}”
“{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{路|lù}”
Abstract Concepts
Pieces of information or abstract items that are 'long' in nature.
“{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{新闻|xīnwén}”
“{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{建议|jiànyì}”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Number + 条 + Noun
|
一条鱼
|
|
Negative
|
没有 + Number + 条 + Noun
|
没有一条鱼
|
|
Question
|
几 + 条 + Noun + 吗?
|
有几条鱼吗?
|
|
Demonstrative
|
这/那 + 条 + Noun
|
这条裤子
|
|
Plural
|
Number + 条 + Noun
|
三条河
|
|
Abstract
|
Number + 条 + 建议
|
一条建议
|
Formality Spectrum
我想要一条鱼。 (Ordering food)
我要一条鱼。 (Ordering food)
来条鱼。 (Ordering food)
整条鱼！ (Ordering food)
The World of 条
Physical
- 鱼 fish
- 裤子 pants
Geographic
- 河 river
- 路 road
Abstract
- 建议 advice
- 新闻 news
Examples by Level
{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{鱼|yú}
One fish
{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{裤子|kùzi}
One pair of pants
{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{路|lù}
One road
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{鱼|yú}
This fish
{你|nǐ}{有|yǒu}{几|jǐ}{条|tiáo}{裤子|kùzi}?
How many pairs of pants do you have?
{那|nà}{条|tiáo}{河|hé}{很|hěn}{长|cháng}.
That river is very long.
{我|wǒ}{收|shōu}{到|dào}{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{信息|xìnxī}.
I received a message.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{街|jiē}{很|hěn}{热闹|rènao}.
This street is very lively.
{他|tā}{提|tí}{了|le}{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}{的|de}{建议|jiànyì}.
He made a very good suggestion.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{新闻|xīnwén}{是|shì}{真|zhēn}{的|de}{吗|ma}?
Is this news true?
{我|wǒ}{在|zài}{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{路|lù}{上|shàng}{看|kàn}{到|dào}{了|le}{他|tā}.
I saw him on this road.
{她|tā}{围|wéi}{了|le}{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{红|hóng}{围巾|wéijīn}.
She is wearing a red scarf.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{法律|fǎlǜ}{有|yǒu}{很|hěn}{多|duō}{条文|tiáowén}.
This law has many articles.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{项链|xiàngliàn}{很|hěn}{贵|guì}.
This necklace is very expensive.
{他|tā}{写|xiě}{了|le}{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{很|hěn}{长|cháng}{的|de}{评论|pínglùn}.
He wrote a very long comment.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{隧道|suìdào}{通|tōng}{向|xiàng}{市中心|shìzhōngxīn}.
This tunnel leads to the city center.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{思路|sīlù}{很|hěn}{清晰|qīngxī}.
This line of thought is very clear.
{他|tā}{用|yòng}{一|yī}{条|tiáo}{绳子|shéngzi}{把|bǎ}{门|mén}{拴|shuān}{住|zhù}{了|le}.
He tied the door with a rope.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{规定|guīdìng}{不|bù}{合理|hélǐ}.
This regulation is unreasonable.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{龙|lóng}{在|zài}{云|yún}{中|zhōng}{穿梭|chuānsuō}.
The dragon weaves through the clouds.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{山脉|shānmài}{连绵|liánmián}{不|bù}{断|duàn}.
This mountain range stretches endlessly.
{他|tā}{列出|lièchū}{了|le}{几|jǐ}{条|tiáo}{重要|zhòngyào}{的|de}{原则|yuánzé}.
He listed several important principles.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{小溪|xiǎoxī}{蜿蜒|wānyán}{流|liú}{过|guò}{村庄|cūnzhuāng}.
This stream winds through the village.
{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{政策|zhèngcè}{影响|yǐngxiǎng}{深远|shēnyuǎn}.
This policy has far-reaching effects.
Easily Confused
Both count long things.
Both count long things.
个 is the default.
Common Mistakes
一个鱼
一条鱼
三裤子
三条裤子
一支河
一条河
一条笔
一支笔
一个建议
一条建议
三条笔
三支笔
一条书
一本书
一个新闻
一条新闻
一条树
一棵树
一条车
一辆车
一条山
一座山
一条房子
一间房子
一条衣服
一件衣服
Sentence Patterns
我买了一___ ___。
这___ ___很长。
他给了我一___ ___。
你看到那___ ___了吗？
Real World Usage
我要一条烤鱼。
这条裤子多少钱？
我收到了一条信息。
走这条路。
这是一条重要新闻。
这条河很美。
The Wiggle Test
Don't count people!
Digital Life
Smart Tips
Visualize the object's shape before picking a classifier.
Use {条|tiáo} for messages, emails, and news.
Always use {条|tiáo} for roads and streets.
Use {条|tiáo} for fish dishes.
Pronunciation
Tone
The second tone (tiáo) rises like a question.
Rising
条 ↑
Standard second tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a long, wavy snake (条) that is thin enough to fit through a needle.
Visual Association
Imagine a long, flexible river that turns into a pair of pants, then into a long text message on your phone.
Rhyme
Fish or river, road or pants, use 'tiáo' for your long-thing dance!
Story
I went to the river (一条河) to catch a fish (一条鱼). I wore my favorite pants (一条裤子) and checked my phone for a message (一条信息).
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room for 5 minutes and name 3 things that could be counted with {条|tiáo}.
Cultural Notes
Used universally for both physical and digital items.
Similar usage, but sometimes prefers other classifiers for specific items.
The concept of 'long' classifiers is very similar to Mandarin.
Originally meant a small branch or twig, hence the 'long and thin' association.
Conversation Starters
你今天收到了几条信息？
你喜欢吃哪种鱼？
这条路怎么走？
你有什么好的建议吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我买了一___鱼。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我有一个鱼。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
One river.
Answer starts with: 一条河...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
这是一___好建议。
Which is correct?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我买了一___鱼。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我有一个鱼。
条 / 裤子 / 一 / 我 / 买
One river.
Fish - ?
这是一___好建议。
Which is correct?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises那是一___河。 (Nà shì yì ___ hé.)
Match the items.
How do you say 'two text messages'?
她穿着一件漂亮的裙子。 (Tā chuānzhe yí jiàn piàoliang de qúnzi.)
围巾 / 一 / 条 / 买了 / 我 (wéijīn / yī / tiáo / mǎi le / wǒ)
小心！那里有一___蛇！ (Xiǎoxīn! Nàli yǒu yì ___ shé!)
Translate into Chinese.
Pick the odd one out.
我有好几___牛仔裤。 (Wǒ yǒu hǎojǐ ___ niúzǎikù.)
我有三条狗。 (Wǒ yǒu sān tiáo gǒu.)
Match the concept.
我看了一___很有趣的新闻。 (Wǒ kàn le yì ___ hěn yǒuqù de xīnwén.)
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, only for long, thin, or flexible objects. Use {个|gè} for generic items.
Yes, it is very common for messages and news updates.
People will understand, but you will sound like a beginner.
If it has a clear length dimension and is flexible, it's a good candidate.
Yes, it is used in both formal and informal contexts.
No, Chinese nouns don't change for plural. The number indicates the quantity.
No, never use {条|tiáo} for people. Use {位|wèi} for polite or {个|gè} for casual.
Chinese requires a classifier between the number and the noun.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
本 (hon)
Japanese 'hon' is more restricted to rigid objects.
un/una
Chinese requires a classifier between the number and noun.
ein/eine
Chinese requires a classifier.
un/une
Chinese requires a classifier.
قطعة
Arabic is not as systematic with shape-based classifiers.
条
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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