Counting Animals: Using 只 (zhī)
只 (zhī) as the standard measure word for fluffy animals, birds, insects, and single items of pairs.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {只|zhī} as the measure word for most small animals like cats, dogs, and birds.
- Always place {只|zhī} between the number and the noun: {一|yī}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}.
- Use it for most small animals, including birds, cats, dogs, and rabbits.
- Do not use it for large animals like horses or cows, which use {匹|pǐ}.
Overview
Chinese, unlike English, requires a measure word (量词 liàngcí) to quantify nouns. You can't simply say "three cats"; you must insert a specific classifier between the number and the noun. This system isn't arbitrary; it reflects a fundamental aspect of how Chinese speakers categorize and perceive objects and living beings.
At the A1 level, mastering measure words is crucial for building grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences. It helps you understand the inherent properties Chinese assigns to nouns when counting them.
The measure word 只 (zhī) is one of the earliest and most commonly encountered classifiers, particularly for counting animals and individual items that typically come in pairs. Its usage offers a window into how Chinese structures quantity. Historically, 只 (zhī) is believed to have originated from a character depicting a single bird, emphasizing its connection to individual, often distinct, living entities.
Understanding 只 (zhī) provides a solid foundation for navigating the broader measure word system and expressing quantity with precision in Chinese.
How This Grammar Works
只 (zhī), and indeed most Chinese measure words, follows a clear pattern: [Number] + [Measure Word] + [Noun]. This structure is foundational; omitting the measure word makes your speech ungrammatical or sound incredibly unnatural and abrupt to a native speaker. For 只 (zhī), this translates directly to [Number] + 只 (zhī) + [Animal/Paired Noun].只 (zhī) operates primarily in two distinct semantic domains, each revealing a different aspect of its function:- 1Counting Animals: This is its most prevalent application.
只 (zhī)is typically used for a broad range of animals, especially those perceived as distinct, mobile units, often of a small to medium size. This includes most birds, domestic animals like cats and dogs, and many wild creatures. For instance, to count one cat, you must say一只猫 (yì zhī māo). The只 (zhī)here classifies猫 (māo)based on its animal nature.
- 1Counting One of a Pair:
只 (zhī)also functions to quantify a single item that inherently forms part of a pair. This applies commonly to body parts such as hands, feet, or eyes, and to objects like shoes, socks, or gloves. When you refer to just one hand, you'd use一只手 (yì zhī shǒu). This differentiates it from counting the pair as a whole, which would utilize a different measure word (e.g.,一双手 | yì shuāng shǒufor "a pair of hands"). This usage highlights只 (zhī)'s ability to isolate one component from a naturally occurring duo, emphasizing its individuality.
只 (zhī) compels you to recognize the inherent characteristics of the noun you're counting, rather than treating all nouns identically. This distinction is a cornerstone of Chinese grammar, profoundly influencing how concepts of quantity and identity are articulated.Formation Pattern
只 (zhī) involves understanding the basic sequence and specific numerical adjustments. The fundamental structure is consistently [Number] + 只 (zhī) + [Noun]. However, you need to pay close attention to two critical phonological rules concerning the numbers 一 (yī) (one) and 二 (èr) (two).
一 (yī): When 一 (yī) precedes a measure word that has a first, second, or third tone, its tone changes to a fourth tone. Since 只 (zhī) is a first tone, 一 (yī) always transforms into yì. This phonetic alteration facilitates smoother, more natural pronunciation in spoken Chinese.
一 (yī) (first tone) + 只 (zhī) (first tone) → 一只 (yì zhī) (fourth tone + first tone)
我有一只狗。 (Wǒ yǒu yì zhī gǒu.) – I have one dog.
两 (liǎng) for "Two" Before Measure Words: This is an absolute and non-negotiable rule in Chinese quantification. Whenever the number "two" directly precedes any measure word, you must use 两 (liǎng), never 二 (èr). The character 二 (èr) is reserved for counting in sequence, for phone numbers, or as part of larger compound numbers (e.g., 二十 | èr shí for twenty, 二月 | èr yuè for February).
二 (èr) (incorrect before measure words) → 两 (liǎng) (correct before measure words)
他有两只猫。 (Tā yǒu liǎng zhī māo.) – He has two cats.
我的鞋子有两只。 (Wǒ de xiézi yǒu liǎng zhī.) – My shoes have two (pieces).
只 (zhī) readily combines with demonstrative pronouns like 这 (zhè) (this) and 那 (nà) (that) to specify particular items. The structure becomes [Demonstrative] + 只 (zhī) + [Noun].
这只鸟 (zhè zhī niǎo) – this bird
那只眼睛 (nà zhī yǎnjing) – that eye
只 (zhī) to refer to specific quantities of items:
那两只鸭子 (nà liǎng zhī yāzi) – those two ducks
这三只手套 (zhè sān zhī shǒutào) – these three gloves
[Number] + 只 + [Noun] | 三只兔子 | sān zhī tùzi | Three rabbits |
一 (yī) before 只 | 一只熊猫 | yì zhī xióngmāo | One panda |
二 (èr) becomes 两 (liǎng) | 两只手 | liǎng zhī shǒu | Two hands |
[Demonstrative] + 只 + [Noun] | 这只狗 | zhè zhī gǒu | This dog |
[Demonstrative] + [Number] + 只 + [Noun] | 那两只鸭子 | nà liǎng zhī yāzi | Those two ducks |
When To Use It
只 (zhī) is highly specific in its application, yet versatile within its defined categories. Its usage is generally consistent, encompassing a wide array of animals and certain individual items that form part of a pair. Understanding these categories precisely is fundamental to accurate usage.只 (zhī) serves as the default measure word for a significant portion of the animal kingdom. This classification primarily includes animals that are perceived as individual, mobile entities, often (though not exclusively) of small to medium size. It emphasizes their distinct form and movement.- Birds: Virtually all species of birds, regardless of their size, species, or habitat, take
只 (zhī). This is perhaps the most consistent and intuitive application, harkening back to the character's etymological roots. 天空中飞着三只鸟。 (Tiānkōng zhōng fēizhe sān zhī niǎo.)– Three birds are flying in the sky.你看到那只麻雀了吗？ (Nǐ kàndào nà zhī máquè le ma?)– Did you see that sparrow?
- Domesticated Animals (small to medium): This category covers common household pets and many farm animals that are typically kept and perceived as individual entities.
我家养了一只可爱的猫。 (Wǒ jiā yǎngle yì zhī kě'ài de māo.)– My family keeps one cute cat.他有两只狗，都很聪明。 (Tā yǒu liǎng zhī gǒu, dōu hěn cōngmíng.)– He has two dogs; both are very smart.- Other common examples:
兔子 (tùzi)rabbit,羊 (yáng)sheep,猪 (zhū)pig,鸡 (jī)chicken,鸭子 (yāzi)duck.
- Wild Animals (small to medium, and some larger mammals): Many wild creatures that are not typically massive or herd animals also use
只 (zhī). This includes many types of insects, reptiles, and smaller mammals. Even some larger, solitary mammals like pandas (熊猫 | xióngmāo) often take只 (zhī), emphasizing their individual presence. 动物园里有一只大熊猫。 (Dòngwùyuán lǐ yǒu yì zhī dà xióngmāo.)– There's a giant panda in the zoo.我看见一只小松鼠在树上。 (Wǒ kànjiàn yì zhī xiǎo sōngshǔ zài shù shàng.)– I saw a small squirrel in the tree.- Examples:
老虎 (lǎohǔ)tiger,狮子 (shīzi)lion,猴子 (hóuzi)monkey,蚂蚁 (mǎyǐ)ant.
只 (zhī) covers most animals, certain larger or herd animals might use different measure words. For instance, horses (马 | mǎ) and cattle (牛 | niú) often take 匹 (pǐ) and 头 (tóu) respectively, reflecting their larger size or their role as draft animals. At A1, focus on the core 只 (zhī) animal categories, and you'll be correct most of the time.只 (zhī) is equally important. It's employed when you're referring to a single component that naturally belongs to a set of two. This highlights the singularity of the item despite its paired nature.- Body Parts: Many body parts that come in twos commonly use
只 (zhī)when counted individually. 我的左手只有一只。 (Wǒ de zuǒshǒu zhǐyǒu yì zhī.)– My left hand is only one (hand).他闭上了一只眼睛。 (Tā bì shàng le yì zhī yǎnjing.)– He closed one eye.- Examples:
脚 (jiǎo)foot,耳朵 (ěrduo)ear,胳膊 (gēbo)arm (though条 | tiáocan also be used for limbs sometimes).
- Objects that come in Pairs: Items typically bought or used in pairs, like footwear or hand coverings, also use
只 (zhī)when you refer to just one. 我只找到一只袜子。 (Wǒ zhǐ zhǎodào yì zhī wàzi.)– I only found one sock.这只鞋子太大了。 (Zhè zhī xiézi tài dà le.)– This shoe is too big.- Examples:
手套 (shǒutào)glove,耳环 (ěrhuán)earring.
Common Mistakes
只 (zhī). Recognizing these common errors and understanding why they occur will help you avoid them and reinforce your grasp of Chinese measure words.- 1Omitting the Measure Word Entirely: This is arguably the most frequent mistake. Directly saying
三猫 (sān māo)instead of三只猫 (sān zhī māo)is grammatically incorrect. In Chinese, the measure word is a mandatory grammatical component for quantification. It's not optional filler; it defines how the number relates to the noun. Always remember the [Number] + [Measure Word] + [Noun] structure.
- Incorrect:
我喜欢猫。我有三猫。 (Wǒ xǐhuān māo. Wǒ yǒu sān māo.) - Correct:
我喜欢猫。我有三只猫。 (Wǒ xǐhuān māo. Wǒ yǒu sān zhī māo.)– I like cats. I have three cats.
- 1Using
二 (èr)Instead of两 (liǎng)Before只 (zhī): This is a classic A1 error. While二 (èr)means "two," it's almost never used directly before a measure word. You must use两 (liǎng)in this context. Failing to do so is a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
- Incorrect:
我家有二只狗。 (Wǒ jiā yǒu èr zhī gǒu.) - Correct:
我家有两只狗。 (Wǒ jiā yǒu liǎng zhī gǒu.)– My family has two dogs.
- 1Confusing
只 (zhī)with个 (gè)for Animals: While个 (gè)is the most common and versatile measure word, it's generally not used for animals that specifically take只 (zhī). Using三个猫 (sān gè māo)instead of三只猫 (sān zhī māo)makes your Chinese sound less natural.个 (gè)can sometimes be used as a generic placeholder if you forget the correct measure word, but it's always best to use the specific one,只 (zhī), for animals.
- Incorrect:
我看到一个鸟。 (Wǒ kàndào yí gè niǎo.) - Correct:
我看到一只鸟。 (Wǒ kàndào yì zhī niǎo.)– I saw a bird.
- 1Incorrect Tone Change for
一 (yī): Forgetting to change一 (yī)toyìbefore只 (zhī)(and other first, second, or third tone measure words) is a common pronunciation mistake. While speakers will likely still understand you, it sounds less fluent and phonetically awkward.
- Incorrect:
他有一个宠物，一 (yī) 只兔子。 (Tā yǒu yí gè chǒngwù, yī zhī tùzi.) - Correct:
他有一个宠物，一只 (yì) 兔子。 (Tā yǒu yí gè chǒngwù, yì zhī tùzi.)– He has a pet, one rabbit.
- 1Using
只 (zhī)for items that are not typically counted as individual units or parts of a pair. For example, you wouldn't use只 (zhī)for cars (辆 | liàng), books (本 | běn), or pieces of paper (张 | zhāng). Each noun type has its specific classifier, and misapplying只 (zhī)outside its semantic domain is incorrect.
Real Conversations
Understanding 只 (zhī) in theory is one thing; seeing how it's used in everyday, modern Chinese conversations provides essential context. Native speakers integrate 只 (zhī) seamlessly into their speech, whether they're texting friends, sharing photos, or chatting face-to-face. Notice how the measure word reinforces the individuality of the animal or item being discussed.
Example 1
- Friend A (texting): 你家新来的小猫怎么样？ (Nǐ jiā xīn lái de xiǎo māo zěnmeyàng?) – How's your new kitten?
- Friend B (texting): 可可爱爱！昨天它抓到了一只小虫子。 (Kě kě'ài'ài! Zuótiān tā zhuā dào le yì zhī xiǎo chóngzi.) – So cute! Yesterday it caught a little bug.
- Observation: Here, 一只小虫子 (yì zhī xiǎo chóngzi) clearly quantifies the single bug the kitten caught. 只 (zhī) is used for many small insects.
Example 2
- Colleague A: 你看，那只鸟好漂亮！ (Nǐ kàn, nà zhī niǎo hǎo piàoliang!) – Look, that bird is so beautiful!
- Colleague B: 是啊，我也看到好几只在树上。 (Shì a, wǒ yě kàndào hǎo jǐ zhī zài shù shàng.) – Yes, I also saw several (birds) in the tree.
- Observation: 那只鸟 (nà zhī niǎo) points out a specific individual bird. 好几只 (hǎo jǐ zhī) means "several (of them)", with 只 (zhī) implicitly referring to the birds.
Example 3
- Mother: 你找到另一只袜子了吗？ (Nǐ zhǎodào lìng yì zhī wàzi le ma?) – Did you find the other sock?
- Child: 没有，就只有一只。 (Méiyǒu, jiù zhǐyǒu yì zhī.) – No, there's only one.
- Observation: The conversation revolves around a single 袜子 (wàzi) sock, which is part of a pair. 一只袜子 (yì zhī wàzi) correctly counts the individual item.
Example 4
- 哇，这只老虎好大！ (Wā, zhè zhī lǎohǔ hǎo dà!) – Wow, this tiger is so big!
- Observation: 这只老虎 (zhè zhī lǎohǔ) refers to a specific, singular tiger, highlighting its size.
In these examples, 只 (zhī) is not just a grammatical placeholder; it helps to clearly articulate the quantity and identity of the noun, whether it's a pet, a wild animal, or a missing part of a pair. Integrating 只 (zhī) naturally into your speech will make you sound much more like a native speaker.
Quick FAQ
只 (zhī):- Q: Can I ever skip the measure word
只 (zhī)? - A: Generally, no. Omitting it will make your sentence sound ungrammatical or extremely informal. Always use
[Number] + 只 (zhī) + [Noun]when quantifying.
- Q: Why do I use
两 (liǎng)instead of二 (èr)with只 (zhī)? - A: This is a fundamental rule in Chinese.
两 (liǎng)is specifically used before measure words to mean "two," while二 (èr)is typically for numerical sequences or as part of larger numbers. It's a mandatory distinction.
- Q: Are there any animals that don't use
只 (zhī)? - A: Yes, some larger or specific animals use other measure words. For instance, horses (
马 | mǎ) often take匹 (pǐ), and cattle (牛 | niú) might take头 (tóu). For general A1 purposes,只 (zhī)covers most common small-to-medium animals.
- Q: How do I know if an item is "one of a pair" for
只 (zhī)? - A: Think about items that usually come in twos and are used together, like
鞋子 (xiézi)(shoes),袜子 (wàzi)(socks),手套 (shǒutào)(gloves), or body parts like手 (shǒu)(hand) or眼睛 (yǎnjing)(eye). If you're counting just one of these, use只 (zhī).
- Q: If I forget the specific measure word, can I use
个 (gè)as a substitute for animals? - A: While
个 (gè)is a universal placeholder, using只 (zhī)for animals is always more precise and natural. Native speakers will understand一个狗 (yí gè gǒu), but they will immediately recognize it as learner's Chinese. Strive for一只狗 (yì zhī gǒu).
- Q: Does
只 (zhī)have other meanings? - A: Yes,
只 (zhī)can also be an adverb meaning "only" (e.g.,我只喜欢猫 | Wǒ zhǐ xǐhuān māo– I only like cats). This is a completely different grammatical function and should not be confused with its role as a measure word. Context will always make the meaning clear.
只 (zhī) and significantly improve your fluency in Chinese.Using 只 (zhī) with Numbers
| Quantity | Measure Word | Noun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
只
|
猫
|
一只猫
|
|
2
|
只
|
猫
|
两只猫
|
|
3
|
只
|
猫
|
三只猫
|
|
4
|
只
|
猫
|
四只猫
|
|
5
|
只
|
猫
|
五只猫
|
|
10
|
只
|
猫
|
十只猫
|
Meanings
A measure word (classifier) used specifically for counting small animals and certain body parts like hands or eyes.
Small Animals
Counting cats, dogs, birds, etc.
“{一|yī}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}”
“{两|liǎng}{只|zhī}{鸟|niǎo}”
Body Parts
Counting paired body parts like hands or eyes.
“{一|yī}{只|zhī}{手|shǒu}”
“{一|yī}{只|zhī}{眼|yǎn}{睛|jing}”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Number + 只 + Noun
|
我有两只猫。
|
|
Negative
|
没有 + Noun
|
我没有猫。
|
|
Question
|
几 + 只 + Noun
|
你有几只猫？
|
|
Demonstrative
|
这/那 + 只 + Noun
|
这只猫。
|
|
Plural
|
Numbers + 只 + Noun
|
三只鸟。
|
|
Body Part
|
一 + 只 + Body Part
|
一只手。
|
Formality Spectrum
本人拥有一只猫。 (Talking about pets)
我有一只猫。 (Talking about pets)
我有只猫。 (Talking about pets)
我有只喵。 (Talking about pets)
When to use 只
Animals
- 猫 cat
- 狗 dog
- 鸟 bird
Body Parts
- 手 hand
- 眼睛 eye
Examples by Level
{我|wǒ}{有|yǒu}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}。
I have one cat.
{那|nà}{是|shì}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{狗|gǒu}。
That is a dog.
{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{见|jiàn}{两|liǎng}{只|zhī}{鸟|niǎo}。
I see two birds.
{你|nǐ}{有|yǒu}{几|jǐ}{只|zhī}{兔|tù}{子|zi}？
How many rabbits do you have?
{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{有|yǒu}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}。
Wait, this is wrong. Correct: 我没有猫。
{这|zhè}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}{很|hěn}{可|kě}{爱|ài}。
This cat is very cute.
{他|tā}{养|yǎng}{了|le}{三|sān}{只|zhī}{小|xiǎo}{狗|gǒu}。
He raises three puppies.
{我|wǒ}{有|yǒu}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{手|shǒu}{受|shòu}{伤|shāng}{了|le}。
One of my hands is injured.
{这|zhè}{只|zhī}{猴|hóu}{子|zi}{在|zài}{吃|chī}{香|xiāng}{蕉|jiāo}。
This monkey is eating a banana.
{我|wǒ}{只|zhī}{有|yǒu}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{眼|yǎn}{睛|jing}{看|kàn}{得|de}{见|jiàn}。
I can only see with one eye.
{那|nà}{只|zhī}{老|lǎo}{鼠|shǔ}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}。
That mouse runs very fast.
{你|nǐ}{看|kàn}{见|jiàn}{那|nà}{只|zhī}{飞|fēi}{走|zǒu}{的|de}{鸟|niǎo}{吗|ma}？
Did you see that bird flying away?
{这|zhè}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}{是|shì}{我|wǒ}{从|cóng}{收|shōu}{容|róng}{所|suǒ}{领|lǐng}{养|yǎng}{的|de}。
This cat is one I adopted from the shelter.
{每|měi}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{动|dòng}{物|wù}{都|dōu}{应|yīng}{该|gāi}{被|bèi}{善|shàn}{待|dài}。
Every animal should be treated well.
{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{到|dào}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{受|shòu}{伤|shāng}{的|de}{小|xiǎo}{鸟|niǎo}。
I saw an injured bird.
{那|nà}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}{总|zǒng}{是|shì}{在|zài}{窗|chuāng}{边|biān}{睡|shuì}{觉|jiào}。
That cat is always sleeping by the window.
{这|zhè}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}{有|yǒu}{一|yī}{种|zhǒng}{独|dú}{特|tè}{的|de}{气|qì}{质|zhì}。
This cat has a unique temperament.
{我|wǒ}{曾|céng}{经|jīng}{养|yǎng}{过|guò}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{非|fēi}{常|cháng}{聪|cōng}{明|míng}{的|de}{鹦|yīng}{鹉|wǔ}。
I once raised a very intelligent parrot.
{那|nà}{只|zhī}{流|liú}{浪|làng}{猫|māo}{在|zài}{巷|xiàng}{子|zi}{里|lǐ}{徘|pái}{徊|huái}。
That stray cat is wandering in the alley.
{我|wǒ}{只|zhī}{有|yǒu}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{手|shǒu}{能|néng}{够|gòu}{灵|líng}{活|huó}{地|de}{写|xiě}{字|zì}。
Only one of my hands can write flexibly.
{在|zài}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{生|shēng}{态|tài}{系|xì}{统|tǒng}{中|zhōng}{，}{每|měi}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{昆|kūn}{虫|chóng}{都|dōu}{扮|bàn}{演|yǎn}{着|zhe}{重|zhòng}{要|yào}{的|de}{角|jué}{色|sè}。
In this ecosystem, every insect plays an important role.
{那|nà}{只|zhī}{孤|gū}{独|dú}{的|de}{狼|láng}{在|zài}{月|yuè}{光|guāng}{下|xià}{嚎|háo}{叫|jiào}。
That lonely wolf howls under the moonlight.
{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{见|jiàn}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{珍|zhēn}{稀|xī}{的|de}{鸟|niǎo}{飞|fēi}{过|guò}{湖|hú}{面|miàn}。
I saw a rare bird fly across the lake.
{这|zhè}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}{的|de}{眼|yǎn}{睛|jing}{像|xiàng}{宝|bǎo}{石|shí}{一|yī}{样|yàng}{闪|shǎn}{亮|liàng}。
This cat's eyes are as bright as gems.
Easily Confused
Learners use 个 for everything.
Learners use 只 for horses.
Learners use 只 for fish or snakes.
Common Mistakes
我有一猫
我有一只猫
我有一只马
我有一匹马
我没有一只猫
我没有猫
一只们猫
一只猫
这猫
这只猫
几猫
几只猫
两只手们
两只手
那只大象
那头大象
一只眼睛们
一只眼睛
很多只猫
很多猫
那只猫是我的
那只猫是我的
每一只猫都喜欢鱼
每只猫都喜欢鱼
那只猫跑了
那只猫跑了
Sentence Patterns
我有___只___。
你家有___只___吗？
这只___很___。
我看到了___只___在___。
Real World Usage
我想买一只猫。
看我的一只猫！
我有两只狗。
那只鸟很漂亮。
这是我的猫，一只。
我想领养一只狗。
Don't overthink it
Zero rule
Body parts
Be polite
Smart Tips
Always check if the animal is small (只) or large (匹/头).
Remember to use 两 instead of 二 for quantities.
Always include the classifier after 这 or 那.
Always include the classifier after 几.
Pronunciation
Tone
只 is first tone (zhī). Keep it high and flat.
Question
你有几只猫？↗
Rising intonation at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (猫) wearing a 'zhi' (只) hat. It's a 'zhi' cat!
Visual Association
Visualize a small bird sitting on a number '1'. The bird is holding a sign that says '只'.
Rhyme
For a cat or a bird in the sky, use the measure word 只 (zhī).
Story
I went to the park. I saw one cat (一只猫). Then I saw two birds (两只鸟). My friend asked, 'How many animals (几只动物) do you see?' I said, 'Three!'
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room or outside. Count 3 different small animals or body parts using the 'Number + 只 + Noun' formula.
Cultural Notes
Very standard usage in all regions.
Uses the same measure word, but sometimes speakers might drop it in very casual speech.
They have their own classifiers, but use 只 in Mandarin.
The character 只 originally depicted a hand holding a bird, which is why it became the classifier for animals.
Conversation Starters
你家有几只猫？
你喜欢狗吗？
你在公园里看到了什么动物？
你觉得养宠物难吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
一
一只猫 vs 一个猫
Find and fix the mistake:
我有一只马
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I have two dogs.
Answer starts with: 我有两...
一只手 vs 一个手
只
三 / 只 / 兔子
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises一
一只猫 vs 一个猫
Find and fix the mistake:
我有一只马
猫 / 只 / 一 / 有
I have two dogs.
一只手 vs 一个手
只
三 / 只 / 兔子
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{那___狗很可爱。|Nà ___ gǒu hěn kě'ài.}
{三条猫在喝水。|Sān tiáo māo zài hē shuǐ.}
{是 | 这只 | 猫 | 我的| }
Two small rabbits
{公园里有五___猴子。|Gōngyuán lǐ yǒu wǔ ___ hóuzi.}
Match correctly:
{我看到了一___老鹰。|Wǒ kàndàole yì ___ lǎoyīng.}
{二只大象|Èr zhī dàxiàng}
Select the outlier:
One hand
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, never. Use 位 (wèi) for polite or 个 (gè) for general.
No, only small ones. Large ones use 匹 (pǐ) or 头 (tóu).
Use 个 (gè) as a fallback, but try to learn the specific one.
No, it stays 只 regardless of the number.
Usually no, use 条 (tiáo) for fish.
Yes, it is standard in both spoken and written Chinese.
They are a fundamental part of Chinese grammar to count nouns.
The usage of 只 is very consistent across Mandarin-speaking regions.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Articles (un/una)
Spanish has gender; Chinese has classifiers.
Articles (un/une)
French has gender; Chinese has classifiers.
Articles (ein/eine)
German has gender; Chinese has classifiers.
Counters (匹/羽)
Japanese counters are more complex and depend on the animal's size and type.
Dual/Plural forms
Arabic uses morphology; Chinese uses classifiers.
Measure words
It is the standard system.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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