Polite People Counter (位 wèi)
{位|wèi} to show respect to others; use {个|gè} for yourself and casual situations.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {位|wèi} instead of {个|gè} when counting people to show respect and politeness in Chinese.
- Always use {位|wèi} for teachers, elders, or customers: {一位老师|yī wèi lǎoshī}.
- Never use {位|wèi} for yourself or close friends: {一个人|yī gè rén}.
- Use {位|wèi} in formal settings like restaurants or meetings: {几位客人|jǐ wèi kèrén}?
Overview
In Chinese, counting is not as simple as placing a number before a noun. The language requires a specific grammatical slot between the number and the noun to be filled by a measure word (量词, liàngcí). While English uses these occasionally (a flock of birds, a cup of coffee), Chinese uses them ubiquitously.
For people, the most common, all-purpose measure word is 个 (gè). However, using 个 (gè) in all situations is like addressing everyone in your life—from your best friend to a potential employer—on a first-name basis. It's functional, but it lacks social nuance.
This is where 位 (wèi) enters. Think of 位 (wèi) not just as a counter, but as a grammatical marker of respect. It functions as the linguistic equivalent of a polite nod or a formal title.
When you choose 位 (wèi) instead of 个 (gè), you are making a conscious social choice to elevate the person you are referring to. This person is a customer, a professional, an elder, or a guest—someone to whom you wish to show deference. The word itself has roots in the concept of a "seat" or "position," implying a person of a certain standing or status who occupies a place of honor.
Mastering 位 (wèi) is a critical step in moving from merely speaking Chinese to interacting within its cultural framework gracefully.
Using 位 (wèi) signals that you are attuned to social context and hierarchy, two cornerstones of Chinese culture. It doesn’t change the literal meaning of the sentence—一位老师 (yī wèi lǎoshī) and 一个老师 (yī gè lǎoshī) both mean "one teacher"—but it drastically alters the register and connotation. The first is respectful and formal; the second is neutral and casual.
For a beginner, learning to distinguish between these two is fundamental to sounding like a thoughtful and culturally aware speaker.
How This Grammar Works
人 (rén), meaning person or people, is unique because the choice of its measure word is determined not by its physical properties, but by the speaker's attitude and the social context.位 (wèi) operates identically to any other measure word. It must be placed after a number or a demonstrative pronoun like 这 (zhè) (this) or 那 (nà) (that), and before the noun it modifies. The fundamental structure is non-negotiable in Mandarin grammar:位 (wèi) to fill the "Measure Word" slot. Consider the difference:一个朋友 (yī gè péngyǒu): a friend (casual, neutral)一位朋友 (yī wèi péngyǒu): a friend (spoken of with respect, perhaps in a formal introduction or when referring to a friend who is also a distinguished professional)
位 (wèi) imbues the person with a layer of social significance. This is not optional politeness in many contexts; it is expected. In service industries, for instance, referring to a customer as 一个客人 (yī gè kèrén) would be jarringly informal and even rude.一位客人 (yī wèi kèrén). This grammatical choice reinforces the social role of both the speaker (service provider) and the listener (valued customer). It is a direct reflection of the politeness principle, where language is used to maintain social harmony and show appropriate deference.Formation Pattern
位 (wèi) is consistent and follows the standard pattern for all measure words in Chinese. Below are the primary formations you will use.
位 (wèi). Note that when counting two people, you must use 两 (liǎng), not 二 (èr). This is a universal rule for counting with measure words.
一 + 位 + Noun | 一位教授 (yī wèi jiàoshòu) | One professor |
两 + 位 + Noun | 两位律师 (liǎng wèi lǜshī) | Two lawyers |
三 + 位 + Noun | 三位医生 (sān wèi yīshēng) | Three doctors |
Number + 位 + Noun | 十位来宾 (shí wèi láibīn) | Ten guests |
这 (zhè) and 那 (nà).
这 + 位 + Noun | 这位先生 (zhè wèi xiānshēng) | This gentleman |
那 + 位 + Noun | 那位女士 (nà wèi nǚshì) | That lady |
这 + Number + 位 + Noun | 这两位是我的老板。(Zhè liǎng wèi shì wǒ de lǎobǎn.) | These two are my bosses. |
几 (jǐ). This is extremely common in restaurants and other service environments.
几 + 位 (+ Noun) ? | 请问您几位？ (Qǐngwèn nín jǐ wèi?) | Excuse me, how many in your party? |
有 + 几 + 位 + Noun ? | 今天有几位老师来开会？(Jīntiān yǒu jǐ wèi lǎoshī lái kāihuì?) | How many teachers are coming to the meeting today? |
每 (měi).
每 + 位 + Noun | 每一位顾客都很重要。(Měi yī wèi gùkè dōu hěn zhòngyào.) | Every customer is important. |
各位 (gèwèi)
各位 (gèwèi) is a special, fixed compound that means "all of you" or "ladies and gentlemen." It combines 各 (gè) (each) with 位 (wèi) (respected person) and functions as a pronoun to address an audience respectfully. It is a standard way to begin a speech or announcement.
各位老师，大家好！ (Gèwèi lǎoshī, dàjiā hǎo!) - Hello, all teachers!
各位乘客，请注意... (Gèwèi chéngkè, qǐng zhùyì...) - Attention all passengers...
When To Use It
位 (wèi) is the real skill. Use it as your default in any situation where you want to signal politeness and respect. Here are the primary scenarios:- Service and Hospitality Contexts: This is non-negotiable. Always use
位 (wèi)when referring to customers, clients, guests, or patrons. It is the bedrock of polite business language. - Examples:
一位客人 (yī wèi kèrén)(a guest/customer),三位顾客 (sān wèi gùkè)(three customers).
- Professional Roles and Titles: Use
位 (wèi)when referring to people by their profession, especially those that carry social prestige. This includes academics, medical professionals, legal experts, and corporate leaders. - Examples:
那位教授 (nà wèi jiàoshòu)(that professor),我约了一位律师 (wǒ yuēle yī wèi lǜshī)(I have an appointment with a lawyer).
- Elders and Seniors: Showing respect for elders is a crucial aspect of Chinese culture. Using
位 (wèi)when referring to older people is a simple and effective way to do this. - Example:
公园里有几位老人在下棋。(Gōngyuán lǐ yǒu jǐ wèi lǎorén zài xiàqí.)(There are several seniors playing chess in the park.)
- Formal Settings: In any formal situation—a business meeting, a conference, a public speech, an academic seminar—
位 (wèi)is the appropriate measure word for participants, speakers, and attendees. - Example:
今天我们请来了三位专家。(Jīntiān wǒmen qǐng láile sān wèi zhuānjiā.)(Today we have invited three experts.)
- Referring to Strangers with Politeness: When referring to a stranger in a neutral or positive context, using
位 (wèi)is a safe and polite default. It establishes a respectful distance. - Example:
刚才有一位女士问路。(Gāngcái yǒu yī wèi nǚshì wènlù.)(A lady was just asking for directions.)
位 (wèi) is the correct choice. If the context is personal, casual, and among equals, 个 (gè) is more appropriate.Common Mistakes
位 (wèi) incorrectly can be more awkward than not using it at all. The mistakes often stem from a misunderstanding of its social, rather than grammatical, function. Here are the most common errors to avoid.位 (wèi) for Yourself位 (wèi) to yourself sounds arrogant and self-aggrandizing, as if you are placing yourself on a pedestal. Chinese culture values humility, and referring to yourself with honorifics is a major violation of this principle.- Mistake:
你好，我是一位新来的工程师。(Nǐhǎo, wǒ shì yī wèi xīn lái de gōngchéngshī.) - Correction:
你好，我是一个新来的工程师。(Nǐhǎo, wǒ shì yī gè xīn lái de gōngchéngshī.)
位 (wèi) for Close Friends and Family位 (wèi) with your inner circle (close friends, siblings, spouse) creates an awkward, formal distance. It is socially inappropriate because it negates the intimacy of the relationship. It's like referring to your best friend as "Mr. Smith."- Mistake:
这是我的两位好朋友。(Zhè shì wǒ de liǎng wèi hǎo péngyǒu.) - Correction:
这是我的两个好朋友。(Zhè shì wǒ de liǎng gè hǎo péngyǒu.)
位 (wèi) in a Derogatory or Negative Context位 (wèi) is incompatible with negative descriptions. You do not show respect to a thief, a liar, or a "bad person." Using 位 (wèi) in these cases sounds sarcastic or simply incorrect.- Mistake:
警察抓住了一位小偷。(Jǐngchá zhuāzhùle yī wèi xiǎotōu.) - Correction:
警察抓住了一个小偷。(Jǐngchá zhuāzhùle yī gè xiǎotōu.)
位 (wèi), 个 (gè), and 名 (míng)名 (míng) is particularly tricky as it also appears formal. Here is a clear comparison:个 (gè) | Neutral, Casual, Universal. | The default for people in informal contexts: friends, family, self, or when social status is irrelevant. | 我有一个哥哥。(Wǒ yǒu yī gè gēgē.) (I have one older brother.) |位 (wèi) | Respectful, Polite, Warmly Formal. | Used in formal or service situations to show deference: customers, professionals, elders. | 我们公司来了一位新老板。(Wǒmen gōngsī láile yī wèi xīn lǎobǎn.) (A new boss came to our company.) |名 (míng) | Objective, Detached, Highly Formal. | Used for official counts, statistics, and formal registers like news reports or legal documents. It quantifies people as a formal category, without the personal warmth of 位. | 事故中有三名乘客受伤。(Shìgù zhōng yǒu sān míng chéngkè shòushāng.) (Three passengers were injured in the accident.) |个, you serve a customer with 位, and you read about suspects in the news with 名.Real Conversations
Context is everything. Here is how 位 (wèi) and 个 (gè) appear in different real-world situations.
Scenario 1
- Host: 您好，欢迎光临！请问几位？
(Nínhǎo, huānyíng guānglín! Qǐngwèn jǐ wèi?)*
(Hello, welcome! How many in your party?)
- Customer: 我们两位，谢谢。
(Wǒmen liǎng wèi, xièxiè.)*
(Two of us, thank you.)
Analysis*: The host uses 您 (nín) and 位 (wèi) to establish a respectful, formal tone appropriate for the service industry. The customer mirrors the use of 位 (wèi).
Scenario 2
- Manager: 我来介绍一下，这位是刚从上海分公司调来的李总。
(Wǒ lái jièshào yīxià, zhè wèi shì gāng cóng Shànghǎi fēngōngsī diào lái de Lǐ zǒng.)*
(Let me introduce you. This is Director Li, who just transferred from the Shanghai branch.)
- Team Member: 李总您好，欢迎您！
(Lǐ zǒng nín hǎo, huānyíng nín!)*
(Hello Director Li, welcome!)
Analysis*: The manager uses 这位 (zhè wèi) to formally introduce a person of high status (总 is a title for a high-level manager or director).
Scenario 3
- Person A: 昨天相亲的那个人太奇葩了！
(Zuótiān xiāngqīn de nàge rén tài qípā le!)*
(That person from the blind date yesterday was so weird!)
- Person B: 哈哈怎么了？
(Hāhā zěnmele?)*
(Haha what happened?)
Analysis*: The speaker uses 那个 (nàge)—a contraction of 那一个 (nà yī gè)—because the context is casual, personal, and slightly negative. Using 那位 (nà wèi) here would sound bizarre.
Scenario 4
- Subject: 向您推荐一位优秀的设计师
(Xiàng nín tuījiàn yī wèi yōuxiù de shèjìshī)*
(Recommending an excellent designer to you)
- Body: 王经理，您好。这位候选人在设计领域有超过十年的经验...
(Wáng jīnglǐ, nín hǎo. Zhè wèi hòuxuǎnrén zài shèjì lǐngyù yǒu chāoguò shí nián de jīngyàn...)*
(Hello Manager Wang. This candidate has over ten years of experience in the design field...)
Analysis*: 位 is used consistently throughout the formal written communication to maintain a professional and respectful tone toward both the recipient and the person being discussed.
Quick FAQ
位 (wèi) for my parents or grandparents?This depends heavily on the context. In everyday, casual conversation, no. It would sound strangely distant. You would typically use 个 (gè) or, more naturally, no measure word at all (e.g., 我爸爸 wǒ bàba). However, if you are in a very formal setting, such as giving a speech at a wedding or writing a tribute, using 位 (wèi) can be a powerful way to express public respect. For example: 我的母亲是一位非常坚强的女性。(Wǒ de mǔqīn shì yī wèi fēicháng jiānqiáng de nǚxìng.) - "My mother is a very strong woman."
位 (wèi) for a child?In 99.9% of cases, no. Children do not have the social status that warrants the use of 位 (wèi). The standard is always 个 (gè), as in 一个孩子 (yī gè háizi). The rare exception might be in a playful or humorous context where a child is acting in a professional role, e.g., a teacher calling on a student and saying, 我们请这位小科学家来回答问题。(Wǒmen qǐng zhè wèi xiǎo kēxuéjiā lái huídá wèntí.) - "Let's ask this little scientist to answer the question." This is a stylistic choice, not a grammatical rule.
个 (gè) when talking about my professor. Will they be offended?Almost certainly not. Native speakers, especially teachers, are highly accustomed to learners making this kind of error. It will be interpreted as a learner's mistake or simply as casual speech, not as a sign of disrespect. That said, making the conscious effort to switch to 位 (wèi) in the appropriate context is a clear sign of your progress and cultural sensitivity.
位 (wèi) is only for humans. Are there any fantastical exceptions?In modern, standard Chinese, it is used exclusively for humans. However, in classical texts, mythology, or fantasy genres (wuxia/xianxia), you may see it applied to deities, immortals, or powerful spirits (一位神仙, yī wèi shénxiān, an immortal being). This is because they hold a high status within that narrative world. For your daily communication, stick to the humans-only rule. Your cat, no matter how majestic, is still 一只猫 (yī zhī māo).
各位 (gèwèi) again? Is it a plural form?It's best understood not as a plural, but as a fixed-phrase pronoun used for addressing a group respectfully. 各 (gè) means "each/every," and 位 adds the layer of respect. So, 各位 literally means "each respected person here." It functions like "Everybody," "Ladies and Gentlemen," or "To all of you" in English. It is almost exclusively used to start an announcement or speech, immediately followed by the group you're addressing or a general greeting: 各位同事，早上好！(Gèwèi tóngshì, zǎoshang hǎo!) - "Good morning, everyone (colleagues)!"
Using {位|wèi} with Numbers
| Number | Measure Word | Noun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
一
|
位
|
老师
|
一位老师
|
|
两
|
位
|
客人
|
两位客人
|
|
三
|
位
|
医生
|
三位医生
|
|
几
|
位
|
朋友
|
几位朋友
|
|
哪
|
位
|
同学
|
哪位同学
|
|
每
|
位
|
嘉宾
|
每位嘉宾
|
Meanings
A polite measure word used to quantify human beings, indicating respect for the person being counted.
Respectful counting
Used to count people in a way that shows social deference.
“{一位先生|yī wèi xiānsheng}”
“{两位女士|liǎng wèi nǚshì}”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Number + 位 + Noun
|
三位老师
|
|
Question
|
几 + 位 + Noun?
|
几位客人?
|
|
Specific
|
这/那 + 位 + Noun
|
那位医生
|
|
Plural
|
各位 + Noun
|
各位同学
|
|
Two people
|
两 + 位 + Noun
|
两位朋友
|
|
Every
|
每 + 位 + Noun
|
每位嘉宾
|
Formality Spectrum
请问有几位？ (Restaurant)
几个人？ (Restaurant)
几位? (Restaurant)
几个人啊? (Restaurant)
When to use {位|wèi}
People
- 老师 Teacher
- 医生 Doctor
Guests
- 客人 Guest
- 客户 Client
Examples by Level
这是一位老师。|Zhè shì yī wèi lǎoshī.
This is a teacher.
几位？|Jǐ wèi?
How many people?
有两位客人。|Yǒu liǎng wèi kèrén.
There are two guests.
那位是谁？|Nà wèi shì shéi?
Who is that person?
请问有几位？|Qǐngwèn yǒu jǐ wèi?
May I ask how many people?
我介绍一下，这是王先生，一位医生。|Wǒ jièshào yīxià, zhè shì Wáng xiānsheng, yī wèi yīshēng.
Let me introduce, this is Mr. Wang, a doctor.
今天来了三位新同事。|Jīntiān lái le sān wèi xīn tóngshì.
Three new colleagues arrived today.
那位女士很漂亮。|Nà wèi nǚshì hěn piàoliang.
That lady is very beautiful.
我们需要为这几位贵宾准备房间。|Wǒmen xūyào wèi zhè jǐ wèi guìbīn zhǔnbèi fángjiān.
We need to prepare rooms for these VIPs.
作为一位母亲，她很辛苦。|Zuòwéi yī wèi mǔqīn, tā hěn xīnkǔ.
As a mother, she works very hard.
请各位同学安静。|Qǐng gèwèi tóngxué ānjìng.
Students, please be quiet.
他是一位非常有名的作家。|Tā shì yī wèi fēicháng yǒumíng de zuòjiā.
He is a very famous writer.
在座的各位，大家好。|Zàizuò de gèwèi, dàjiā hǎo.
Hello everyone present.
我们邀请了两位专家来演讲。|Wǒmen yāoqǐng le liǎng wèi zhuānjiā lái yǎnjiǎng.
We invited two experts to give a speech.
那位领导对我们的工作很满意。|Nà wèi lǐngdǎo duì wǒmen de gōngzuò hěn mǎnyì.
That leader is very satisfied with our work.
每一位参与者都应该签名。|Měi yī wèi cānyùzhě dōu yīnggāi qiānmíng.
Every participant should sign.
这是一位值得尊敬的长者。|Zhè shì yī wèi zhídé zūnjìng de zhǎngzhě.
This is an elder worthy of respect.
各位嘉宾，欢迎光临。|Gèwèi jiābīn, huānyíng guānglín.
Distinguished guests, welcome.
他曾是一位叱咤风云的人物。|Tā céng shì yī wèi chìzhàfēngyún de rénwù.
He was once a very influential figure.
无论哪一位候选人当选，政策都会变。|Wúlùn nǎ yī wèi hòuxuǎnrén dāngxuǎn, zhèngcè dōu huì biàn.
No matter which candidate is elected, policies will change.
各位同仁，让我们共创辉煌。|Gèwèi tóngrén, ràng wǒmen gòngchuàng huīhuáng.
Colleagues, let us create brilliance together.
他以一位学者的严谨态度对待研究。|Tā yǐ yī wèi xuézhě de yánjǐn tàidù duìdài yánjiū.
He treats research with the rigorous attitude of a scholar.
每一位公民都享有平等的权利。|Měi yī wèi gōngmín dōu xiǎngyǒu píngděng de quánlì.
Every citizen enjoys equal rights.
那位老先生在公园里练太极。|Nà wèi lǎoxiānsheng zài gōngyuán lǐ liàn tàijí.
That old gentleman is practicing Tai Chi in the park.
Easily Confused
Learners use {个|gè} for everyone, missing the polite nuance of {位|wèi}.
Learners use {二|èr} for counting people.
Learners use {位|wèi} for animals.
Common Mistakes
我是位人
我是一个人
二位客人
两位客人
一位苹果
一个苹果
我的位朋友
我的一位朋友
那位桌子
那张桌子
几位苹果
几个苹果
二位老师
两位老师
我是一位学生
我是一个学生
每位东西
每个东西
那位猫
那只猫
那位公司
那家公司
Sentence Patterns
这里有___位客人。
___位老师在教室里。
请问，您是哪___位？
每___位学生都应该努力。
Real World Usage
请问几位？
欢迎两位入住。
介绍一下这几位经理。
每位同学请交作业。
感谢每位支持我的朋友。
这是面试的几位考官。
The 'Two' Rule
Don't use for self
Service Industry
Respect
Smart Tips
Always use {几位|jǐ wèi} to ask for the number of people.
Use {位|wèi} to show respect.
Use {两|liǎng} for 2.
Stick to {个|gè}.
Pronunciation
Tone
The word {位|wèi} is in the 4th tone (falling).
Question
几位? ↑
Rising intonation for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of {位|wèi} as 'VIP'. If they are a VIP, use {位|wèi}!
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing on a pedestal (位 looks like a person standing). Only people you respect get to stand on the pedestal.
Rhyme
For a friend, use {个|gè}, for a guest, use {位|wèi}!
Story
You are at a fancy restaurant. You see your teacher. You don't say 'one person', you say '{一位老师|yī wèi lǎoshī}'. The waiter smiles because you are so polite.
Word Web
Challenge
Go to a Chinese restaurant or look at a menu online and count the people using {位|wèi}.
Cultural Notes
Used heavily in service industries to show respect to customers.
Similar usage, very common in formal business settings.
Used in Cantonese as well, though the character is the same.
The character {位|wèi} originally meant 'throne' or 'position'.
Conversation Starters
请问有几位？
那位是谁？
你最尊敬的一位老师是谁？
在商务场合，如何称呼对方？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我有三___老师。
How to say 'two guests'?
Find and fix the mistake:
我是位学生。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
How many people?
Answer starts with: 几位?...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Waiter: 欢迎光临，请问___? Customer: 两位。
Can you use {位|wèi} for your best friend?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我有三___老师。
How to say 'two guests'?
Find and fix the mistake:
我是位学生。
位 / 三 / 老师 / 有
How many people?
Match: Teacher, Cat, Apple, Book
Waiter: 欢迎光临，请问___? Customer: 两位。
Can you use {位|wèi} for your best friend?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{位|wèi} / {那|nà} / {医生|yīshēng}
Three guests (polite)
Match these:
Asking a group of tourists:
{这___网红很漂亮。|Zhè ___ wǎnghóng hěn piàoliang.}
{我是一位好人。|Wǒ shì yī wèi hǎorén.}
{四|sì} / {专家|zhuānjiā} / {位|wèi}
Those two seniors (polite)
{各___朋友，晚上好！|Gè ___ péngyǒu, wǎnshàng hǎo!}
Talking about a CEO:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, it is very appropriate.
{个|gè} is neutral, {位|wèi} is polite.
Yes, strictly for humans.
It sounds very weird and arrogant.
Yes, in formal reports or articles.
Yes, it is polite.
Yes, the character is universal.
Use it when you talk about others.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
名 (mei)
Japanese has more complex honorific systems.
None
Spanish uses articles instead of classifiers.
None
German has no concept of measure words.
None
French does not classify humans.
None
Arabic grammar is based on case and number, not classifiers.
个 (gè)
{位|wèi} is a subset of the classifier system.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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Counting Actions with 'Times' (次)
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Measure Word 条 (tiáo) for Long, Flexible Objects
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The Measure Word for Courses: 门 (mén)
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