Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {张|zhāng} to count flat, thin objects like paper, tables, or beds.
- Use {张|zhāng} for flat items: {一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ} (one piece of paper).
- Always place the measure word between the number and the noun.
- It is also used for furniture with flat surfaces like tables: {一张桌子|yī zhāng zhuōzi}.
Overview
liàngcí) for quantifying virtually all nouns. This system is not merely an optional stylistic embellishment but a core grammatical requirement, essential for forming grammatically correct and natural-sounding phrases. While English selectively uses classifiers like a *loaf* of breador
a *pair* of shoes,Chinese requires a specific measure word for almost every noun when it is counted, referred to demonstratively (e.g.,
this, that), or questioned about its quantity.张 (zhāng) is one of the most frequently employed classifiers in Mandarin. Its function is highly specific: it classifies nouns characterized by their inherent flatness, expansiveness, or a surface-like two-dimensionality. This includes a broad range of objects, from physical sheets of paper to expansive furniture surfaces, and even certain abstract or anatomical expanses.张 is a crucial indicator of fluency, distinguishing sophisticated Chinese speakers from those who might overuse the generic 个 (gè).张 allows you to move beyond basic comprehension and articulate observations with precision, reflecting a more native-like cognitive categorization of objects. This comprehensive guide will delve into the etymological roots of 张, meticulously dissect its grammatical function, detail its diverse modern applications, and equip you to confidently employ it in a multitude of communicative contexts. By understanding the why behind 张, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the logical and descriptive elegance embedded within Chinese grammar.How This Grammar Works
张 (zhāng), one must understand its semantic foundation. The character 张 originates from ancient pictograms that visually depicted a person drawing a bow, thus directly conveying the actions of stretching, spreading open, and expanding. This powerful etymological core directly informs its modern usage as a measure word, classifying objects that embody these very characteristics: things that are flat, can be spread out, or possess a significant, discernible surface area.张 is used to quantify a noun, it implicitly signals to the listener that the object is being perceived through the lens of its two-dimensional qualities, rather than its three-dimensional volume or abstract essence. For example, in 一张纸 (yì zhāng zhǐ) (a sheet of paper), 张 emphasizes the paper's thin, flat, and spreadable nature. This immediately differentiates it from other forms of paper, such as a roll of paper (一卷纸 yì juǎn zhǐ) or a book of paper (一本书 yì běn shū).一张桌子 (yì zhāng zhuōzi) (a table), 张 highlights the table's expansive, flat surface—its primary functional attribute for dining, working, or placing items. The cognitive process here is that the table is primarily seen as a surface to be utilized, a spread-out area. This contrasts with a generic reference to a table without this specific emphasis on its flat top.一张嘴 (yì zhāng zuǐ) (a mouth), the historical sense of opening wide or stretching becomes evident, treating the mouth as an expansive opening or an expressive surface capable of change. In this context, 张 evokes the dynamic potential for expansion or expression of that particular facial feature.张 functions as a robust semantic marker, instantly informing the listener about the object's form factor. It provides a precise cognitive filter, directing attention to the two-dimensional, spreadable nature of the noun.块 kuài for chunks or 个 gè for individual items), linear objects (e.g., 条 tiáo for long, thin things), or bound items (e.g., 本 běn for books). Consequently, the selection of 张 is never arbitrary; it is a direct linguistic reflection of how a fluent speaker conceptually processes and classifies objects based on their predominant characteristic: their flatness or capacity for expansion.
Formation Pattern
张 (zhāng) adheres strictly to the fundamental syntactic patterns that govern all Chinese measure words. These structures are highly consistent and predictable, offering a clear and reliable framework for constructing grammatically correct phrases that quantify or specify nouns. Mastery of these patterns is paramount for achieving accuracy and fluency in expression.
张 + Noun: This is the most common and direct construction used for counting flat objects. The numeral (or quantifier) always precedes the measure word, which in turn immediately precedes the noun. This sequence is a fixed grammatical order in standard Mandarin.
张 + Noun | 我需要三张票。 | Wǒ xūyào sān zhāng piào. | I need three tickets. |
张 + Noun | 请给我一张白纸。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ yì zhāng báizhǐ. | Please give me a sheet of white paper. |
张 + Noun | 房间里有两张床。 | Fángjiān lǐ yǒu liǎng zhāng chuáng. | There are two beds in the room. |
张 + Noun | 我只有几张照片。 | Wǒ zhǐ yǒu jǐ zhāng zhàopiàn. | I only have a few photos. |
这/那) + 张 + Noun: When you wish to point out or specifically identify a flat object, demonstrative pronouns 这 (zhè) (this/these) or 那 (nà) (that/those) are utilized. These demonstratives directly precede the measure word, which then precedes the noun. This pattern clearly marks the specific item(s) being referred to within a given context.
张 + Noun | 这张桌子是新的。 | Zhè zhāng zhuōzi shì xīn de. | This table is new. |
张 + Noun | 你喜欢那张画吗？ | Nǐ xǐhuān nà zhāng huà ma? | Do you like that painting? |
张 + Noun | 他看了看这张地图。 | Tā kànle kàn zhè zhāng dìtú. | He looked at this map. |
这/那) + Number + 张 + Noun: While somewhat less common than the singular demonstrative pattern, this construction is grammatically valid and occasionally used for emphasis to specify a precise quantity of *those particular identified items*. This structure effectively combines both identification and enumeration.
张 + Noun | 请把这三张纸给我。 | Qǐng bǎ zhè sān zhāng zhǐ gěi wǒ. | Please give me these three sheets of paper. |
张 + Noun | 那两张照片洗得真好。 | Nà liǎng zhāng zhàopiàn xǐ de zhēn hǎo. | Those two photos were developed really well. |
张 (for repeated noun or informal contexts): In specific conversational settings, particularly when the noun has already been introduced or is readily understood from the surrounding context, the noun can appear at the beginning of the phrase, followed by the numerical expression. This construction tends to feel more informal or can serve to place emphasis on the quantity after the noun has been established.
张 | 照片，我洗了三张。 | Zhàopiàn, wǒ xǐ le sān zhāng. | Photos, I developed three (of them). |
张 | 票，你买了几张？ | Piào, nǐ mǎi le jǐ zhāng? | Tickets, how many did you buy? |
When To Use It
张 (zhāng) stems from its consistent application across a diverse range of nouns, all united by the underlying semantic thread of flatness, expansiveness, or a stretchable surface. Mastering these classifications provides a robust framework for consistently accurate usage.- 1Paper and Paper-like Items: Thin, Flat, and Two-Dimensional.
张. It encompasses any item made of paper, or materials that share the physical characteristics of paper—namely, being thin, flat, and presenting a discernible surface. Think of anything that could be laid flat or unfolded.纸 (zhǐ)- paper:请给我一张白纸。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yì zhāng báizhǐ.) -Please give me a sheet of white paper.
(Refers to a single, flat piece of paper.)照片 (zhàopiàn)- photograph:我们一起拍一张照片吧！(Wǒmen yìqǐ pāi yì zhāng zhàopiàn ba!) - "Let's take a photo together!" (The physical print, a flat surface.)票 (piào)- ticket (for movies, trains, planes, concerts, etc.):我要两张电影票。(Wǒ yào liǎng zhāng diànyǐngpiào.) -I want two movie tickets.
(Tickets are flat, paper-like items.)报纸 (bàozhǐ)- newspaper:他在看一张旧报纸。(Tā zài kàn yì zhāng jiù bàozhǐ.) -He is reading an old newspaper.
(A single sheet or section of newspaper, or the entire flat, folded entity.)卡片 (kǎpiàn)- card (e.g., credit card, ID card, business card, postcard):这是一张信用卡。(Zhè shì yì zhāng xìnyòngkǎ.) -This is a credit card.
(These are thin, flat, and rigid.)邮票 (yóupiào)- stamp:我需要几张邮票寄信。(Wǒ xūyào jǐ zhāng yóupiào jì xìn.) -I need a few stamps to mail a letter.
(Small, flat, adhesive items.)地图 (dìtú)- map:这张地图很详细。(Zhè zhāng dìtú hěn xiángxì.) -This map is very detailed.
(Maps are fundamentally flat, unfoldable surfaces.)海报 (hǎibào)- poster:墙上贴着一张海报。(Qiáng shàng tiē zhe yì zhāng hǎibào.) - "There's a poster pasted on the wall." (A flat, often large, printed sheet.)- Key Nuance: While individual pages (
页 yè) are flat, a *bound book* (书 shū) is classified with本 (běn).张strictly refers to individual, unbound sheets or flat prints.
- 1Furniture and Objects with a Prominent Flat or Stretched Surface.
张 to items whose primary function or defining characteristic is their expansive flat surface or a material that is tautly stretched. The measure word highlights the object's utility as a spread-out area.桌子 (zhuōzi)- table, desk:这张桌子可以坐六个人。(Zhè zhāng zhuōzi kěyǐ zuò liù ge rén.) -This table can seat six people.
(Emphasizes the flat surface for dining or working.)床 (chuáng)- bed:我喜欢睡在软软的这张床上。(Wǒ xǐhuān shuì zài ruǎnruǎn de zhè zhāng chuáng shàng.) -I like sleeping on this soft bed.
(Highlights the flat sleeping surface.)沙发 (shāfā)- sofa, couch:这张沙发很舒服。(Zhè zhāng shāfā hěn shūfu.) -This sofa is very comfortable.
(*While个 (gè)is also frequently used for沙发, especially when considering it as a singular, volumetric unit,张emphasizes its extended seating surface, similar to a bed.*)椅子 (yǐzi)- chair (especially those with a distinct flat seat or back):把这张椅子搬过来。(Bǎ zhè zhāng yǐzi bān guòlái.) -Move this chair over here.
(*Similar to沙发,把 (bǎ)is also often used for chairs, particularly those with armrests or considering the act of handling it.张emphasizes the flat seating area.*)地毯 (dìtǎn)- carpet, rug:客厅里铺了一张漂亮的地毯。(Kètīng lǐ pū le yì zhāng piàoliang de dìtǎn.) -A beautiful carpet was laid in the living room.
(Refers to the flat, spread-out nature of the textile.)蚊帐 (wénzhàng)- mosquito net:夏天到了，该挂一张蚊帐了。(Xiàtiān dào le, gāi guà yì zhāng wénzhàng le.) - "Summer is here, it's time to hang a mosquito net." (The net is an expansive, stretched fabric.)弓 (gōng)- bow (as in archery):他拿着一张弓。(Tā názhe yì zhāng gōng.) -He is holding a bow.
(Relates to the stretched bowstring and the expansive form of the bow when ready to shoot.)- Cultural Insight: The application of
张to furniture like tables and beds reflects a cultural emphasis on their primary two-dimensional functionality as surfaces to be used or occupied, rather than their three-dimensional form.
- 1Objects with an Open, Expansive, or Stretchable Area: Beyond the Tangibly Flat.
stretching or spreading to more abstract or less tangibly flat surfaces, often related to body parts or expansive, woven structures.嘴 (zuǐ)- mouth:一张嘴 (yì zhāng zuǐ)-a mouth.This usage is directly linked to the original meaning ofopening wideorstretching.For example,他有一张能说会道的嘴。(Tā yǒu yì zhāng néng shuō huì dào de zuǐ.) -He has a glib tongue/a mouth that can talk well.
(Emphasizes the mouth as an opening for speech.)脸 (liǎn)- face:一张笑脸 (yì zhāng xiàoliǎn)-a smiling face.The face is perceived as an expansive surface or a canvas that displays expressions and features.你看他板着一张脸，肯定不高兴。(Nǐ kàn tā bǎn zhe yì zhāng liǎn, kěndìng bù gāoxìng.) - "Look at his grim face, he's definitely unhappy." (Refers to the overall expression on the face's surface.)网 (wǎng)- net (fishing net, spider web, but not the internet):渔民撒下一张网。(Yúmín sā xià yì zhāng wǎng.) -The fisherman cast a net.
(Here,张refers to the spread-out, expansive nature of the net when deployed.)皮 (pí)- skin (rarely, but can refer to a large, stretched hide or membrane): While块 (kuài)is more common for skin pieces,张might be used in specialized contexts for an animal hide that has been stretched out, e.g.,一张牛皮 (yì zhāng niúpí)-an ox hide.(Here, it explicitly refers to the flattened, processed skin.)- Cognitive Link: The use of
张for嘴and脸might initially seem counter-intuitive to English speakers. However, it consistently aligns with the measure word's core meaning of an expansive or stretchable surface, treating these body parts as distinct, identifiableareasoropenings.
Common Mistakes
张 (zhāng) is no exception. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying semantic reasons can significantly enhance your accuracy and lead to more natural-sounding Chinese.- 1Over-reliance on
个 (gè): This is by far the most pervasive mistake. Learners often default to个 (gè)for virtually all nouns. While个is indeed the most generic measure word and will often render your meaning comprehensible, using it incorrectly for objects that specifically require张makes your speech sound unnatural, simplistic, and less fluent. It signals that you are applying a basic, undifferentiated classifier rather than the precise one. For example, saying一个桌子 (yí gè zhuōzi)instead of一张桌子 (yì zhāng zhuōzi)is understood, but it lacks the precision and polish of a native speaker, akin to an adult using overly generalized vocabulary.个fails to contribute the specific semantic nuance offlatnessorexpansivenessthat张inherently provides. Learners need to actively train themselves to categorize nouns by their physical characteristics.
- Correction Strategy: When encountering a new noun, pause and consider its primary physical attributes. Is it flat? Can it be spread out? If so,
张is likely the appropriate choice. Avoid the default个for such items.
- 1Confusing
张with本 (běn)for books: The flatness of pages sometimes leads learners to mistakenly use张for books. However, a book (书 shū) is definitively a bound collection of pages, not a single, loose flat sheet. The measure word本 (běn)is specifically designated for bound volumes, notebooks, magazines, or other similar compilations. The distinction is crucial for accurate classification.
一张纸 (yì zhāng zhǐ)- a single sheet of paper (loose, flat)一本书 (yì běn shū)- a book (bound collection)- Key Distinction:
张is for individual, loose, flat items;本is for multi-page items that are bound together to form a unit.
- 1Using
张for slices or irregular flat pieces (instead of片 piànor块 kuài): While张effectively classifies general flat objects, it is not used for irregular slices, flakes, or very thin, small, and often uneven pieces of something. For these,片 (piàn)or块 (kuài)are typically employed, each carrying distinct connotations.
一片面包 (yí piàn miànbāo)- a slice of bread (thin, often irregular, cut)一片叶子 (yí piàn yèzi)- a leaf (naturally thin, flat, but often irregular)一片药 (yí piàn yào)- a pill/tablet (small, thin, often round or oval)一块布 (yí kuài bù)- a piece of cloth (a cut-off, often irregular piece of fabric)一张布 (yì zhāng bù)- a sheet of cloth (implies a more uniform, expansive, spread-out piece of fabric, like a bedsheet or banner)- Distinction:
张often implies a more regular, usually rectangular or somewhat uniform shape (paper, table, card) or an intended spread-out form.片emphasizes a *slice* or a small, thin, potentially irregular fragment.块refers to a chunk or block, even if flat, and often lacks thespreadconnotation of张.
- 1Applying
张to screens or electronic devices: Learners might intuitively try to use张for a television screen (电视屏幕 diànshì píngmù) or a phone screen, given their flat appearance. However, electronic devices are generally classified with台 (tái), as in一台电视 (yì tái diànshì)(a television) or一台手机 (yì tái shǒujī)(a mobile phone). While the screen component is flat, the entire device is not conceptually treated as merely aflat surfacein Chinese.台categorizes machinery or large objects.
- Important Exception: You *would* correctly use
张for a screen *protector* (一张手机膜 yì zhāng shǒujī mó), as this is a thin, flat, film-like item, aligning perfectly with the core meaning of张.
- 1Confusing
张with幅 (fú)for art: Both张and幅can be associated with pictures or artwork, but they convey different semantic nuances.张refers to the physical *sheet*, *print*, or *paper* on which a picture is rendered.幅is used for framed artwork, paintings, scrolls, or banners, emphasizing the artistic piece itself as a work of art, often of a certain size or display quality.幅often implies a more substantial or aesthetically significant work.
一张照片 (yì zhāng zhàopiàn)- a photograph (the physical print)一幅画 (yì fú huà)- a painting (the work of art, often framed or displayed)- Distinction:
张for the material substrate;幅for the artistic content or finished display piece.
Real Conversations
Understanding 张 (zhāng) from a theoretical perspective is one aspect; observing its natural deployment in everyday Chinese conversations provides invaluable insight into achieving true fluency. These authentic examples illustrate how native speakers integrate 张 seamlessly into diverse contexts, from casual exchanges to practical transactions and descriptive observations.
- At a café or restaurant, asking for a napkin:
A
服务员，可以给我一张餐巾纸吗？ (Fúwùyuán, kěyǐ gěi wǒ yì zhāng cānjīnzhǐ ma?)B
好的，马上来。 (Hǎo de, mǎshàng lái.)- Analysis: 餐巾纸 (cānjīnzhǐ) (napkin) is a classic example of a flat, paper-like item, making 张 the correct and natural measure word.
- Booking tickets for an event:
A
我买了三张演唱会票，你和朋友一起来看吧！ (Wǒ mǎi le sān zhāng yǎnchànghuì piào, nǐ hé péngyǒu yìqǐ lái kàn ba!)B
太棒了！谢谢你！ (Tài bàng le! Xièxie nǐ!)- Analysis: 演唱会票 (yǎnchànghuì piào) (concert tickets) are inherently flat and paper-based (or digital representations thereof, still conceptualized as flat sheets). 张 is the only appropriate measure word here.
- Describing a new piece of furniture:
A
我们家新买了一张很大的餐桌，周末可以请朋友来家里吃饭了。 (Wǒmen jiā xīn mǎi le yì zhāng hěn dà de cānzhuō, zhōumò kěyǐ qǐng péngyǒu lái jiālǐ chīfàn le.)B
听起来不错，我也想去看看。 (Tīng qǐlái búcuò, wǒ yě xiǎng qù kànkan.)- Analysis: 餐桌 (cānzhuō) (dining table) is quantified with 张 because its defining characteristic is its large, flat surface for dining. The phrase emphasizes this utility.
- Observing someone's mood or expression:
A
老板今天绷着一张脸，大家都不敢说话。 (Láobǎn jīntiān bēng zhe yì zhāng liǎn, dàjiā dōu bù gǎn shuōhuà.)B
嗯，是不是项目出了什么问题？ (Ng, shì bú shì xiàngmù chū le shénme wèntí?)- Analysis: The idiom 绷着一张脸 (bēng zhe yì zhāng liǎn) literally means "stretching/tightening one's face," conveying a grim or unapproachable expression. 一张脸 here treats the face as an expressive surface. This connects directly to 张's etymological meaning of stretching.
- In an office setting, requesting printouts:
A
这份文件需要打印几张？ (Zhè fèn wénjiàn xūyào dǎyìn jǐ zhāng?)B
打印五张就行了。 (Dǎyìn wǔ zhāng jiù xíng le.)- Analysis: 文件 (wénjiàn) (document) when printed results in sheets of paper, making 张 the correct measure word. 几张 (jǐ zhāng) is a natural way to ask how many sheets.
- Discussing a personal item:
A
我以前有一张爸爸送的旧照片，现在找不到了。 (Wǒ yǐqián yǒu yì zhāng bàba sòng de jiù zhàopiàn, xiànzài zhǎo bú dào le.)B
真可惜。 (Zhēn kěxī.)- Analysis: 旧照片 (jiù zhàopiàn) (old photograph) is a flat, paper-based item, hence 一张. The nostalgic context highlights the personal value of the physical object.
- Cultural Note: The use of 张 for items like 沙发 or 椅子 in modern Chinese often subtly implies the comfort or utility of their seating surface. While other measure words (like 个 or 把) are sometimes heard, 张 specifically highlights the expansive, flat area available for sitting, lying, or placing things. This nuanced choice reflects a slightly different conceptualization of the object.
Quick FAQ
张 for a poster or a painting hung on the wall?Yes, generally. If you are referring to the physical print or the sheet of the poster or painting itself, then 张 is appropriate. For instance, 一张海报 (yì zhāng hǎibào) (a poster) is perfectly correct. However, if it is a framed piece of fine art, a traditional scroll, or a large banner displayed prominently, 幅 (fú) (一幅画 yì fú huà, 一幅对联 yì fú duìlián) is often more appropriate. 幅 emphasizes the artistic work itself as a displayed item, often with an aesthetic or cultural value, whereas 张 refers more to the physical substrate.
张 ever used for land, fields, or geographical areas?No, typically not. 张 is primarily for man-made flat surfaces or thin, flexible flat materials. For land or fields, you would generally use 块 (kuài) for a piece of land (一块地 yì kuài dì), or specific units of area like 亩 (mǔ) or 顷 (qǐng) for agricultural land. 张 does not carry the connotation of natural terrain or large, fixed geographical divisions.
个 (gè) used for items that usually take 张, especially from older people or in certain dialects?个 (gè) is the most versatile and historically common measure word in Chinese, often functioning as a default or a generic placeholder when a more specific measure word is unknown, or in very informal speech, or to simplify communication. In some regional dialects, its usage might be broader due to historical linguistic developments. However, in standard Mandarin, using the correct specific measure word like 张 is a crucial marker of precision, fluency, and a deeper understanding of the language's internal categorization system. While 一个桌子 might be understood, 一张桌子 is unequivocally more natural and grammatically refined.
张?Yes, generally. Both 毯子 (tǎnzi) (blanket) and 毛巾 (máojīn) (towel) are conceptualized as flat, expansive pieces of fabric that can be spread out. Therefore, you would correctly say 一张毯子 (yì zhāng tǎnzi) (a blanket) and 一张毛巾 (yì zhāng máojīn) (a towel). This aligns perfectly with the spread-out or expansive nature conveyed by 张, much like a bedsheet (床单 chuángdān).
张 be used for abstract concepts like a list or a plan if they are written down?Yes, but with a specific nuance. If you are referring to the physical sheet of paper on which a list or plan is written, then 张 is the correct measure word: 一张清单 (yì zhāng qīngdān) (a list on a piece of paper) or 一张计划 (yì zhāng jìhuà) (a plan on a sheet). However, if you are referring to the *concept* of the list or plan, irrespective of its physical manifestation, then you might use 个 (gè) (e.g., 这个计划 zhège jìhuà) or simply the noun without a measure word if the context is clear. 张 always anchors the concept to its physical, flat, two-dimensional representation.
张 in Chinese but are typically plural or mass nouns in English?Yes, several. Paper itself is often a mass noun in English, but 纸 (paper) requires 张 in Chinese to count individual sheets. Similarly, tickets (plural in English) become 一张票 in Chinese when referring to a single one. This highlights a fundamental difference in how objects are counted and categorized across languages, where Chinese requires a specific unit (张) for each countable instance of the flat item.
Measure Word Formation
| Number | Measure Word | Noun | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
一
|
张
|
纸
|
一张纸
|
|
两
|
张
|
桌子
|
两张桌子
|
|
三
|
张
|
照片
|
三张照片
|
|
四
|
张
|
票
|
四张票
|
|
五
|
张
|
床
|
五张床
|
|
几
|
张
|
地图
|
几张地图
|
Meanings
The measure word {张|zhāng} is used primarily for objects that have a flat, thin, or expansive surface.
Flat objects
Used for paper, photos, tickets, and maps.
“{一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ}”
“{一张地图|yī zhāng dìtú}”
Furniture
Used for tables and desks.
“{一张桌子|yī zhāng zhuōzi}”
“{一张书桌|yī zhāng shūzhuō}”
Beds
Used for beds.
“{一张床|yī zhāng chuáng}”
“{一张单人床|yī zhāng dānrénchuáng}”
Reference Table
| 类别 | 例子 (中文) | 拼音 | 英文 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
纸质物品
|
一张票
|
yì zhāng piào
|
One ticket
|
|
纸质物品
|
三张照片
|
sān zhāng zhàopiàn
|
Three photos
|
|
家具
|
这张桌子
|
zhè zhāng zhuōzi
|
This table
|
|
家具
|
两张床
|
liǎng zhāng chuáng
|
Two beds
|
|
身体部位
|
一张脸
|
yì zhāng liǎn
|
A face
|
|
身体部位
|
一张嘴
|
yì zhāng zuǐ
|
A mouth
|
正式程度
我需要一张桌子。 (Restaurant)
我需要一张桌子。 (Restaurant)
我要张桌子。 (Restaurant)
给我整张桌子。 (Restaurant)
“张”的世界 (zhāng)
纸张与薄片
- 照片 Photo
- 票 Ticket
- 卡 Card
家具
- 桌子 Table
- 床 Bed
身体部位
- 脸 Face
- 嘴 Mouth
该选哪个量词？
我该用“张”吗？
它是扁平物体吗（纸、卡）？
它是带平面的家具吗（桌、床）？
它是脸或嘴吗？
用“张”计数的物品
旅行
- • 机票 (Plane Ticket)
- • 地图 (Map)
- • 护照 (Passport - 有时)
居家
- • 床 (Bed)
- • 沙发 (Sofa)
- • 画 (Painting)
按水平分级的例句
{我有一张纸。|Wǒ yǒu yī zhāng zhǐ.}
{这是一张照片。|Zhè shì yī zhāng zhàopiàn.}
{给我一张票。|Gěi wǒ yī zhāng piào.}
{那是一张桌子。|Nà shì yī zhāng zhuōzi.}
{你有几张地图？|Nǐ yǒu jǐ zhāng dìtú?}
{我没有一张名片。|Wǒ méiyǒu yī zhāng míngpiàn.}
{这张床很大。|Zhè zhāng chuáng hěn dà.}
{请给我两张纸。|Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng zhāng zhǐ.}
{他递给我一张支票。|Tā dì gěi wǒ yī zhāng zhīpiào.}
{这张画非常漂亮。|Zhè zhāng huà fēicháng piàoliang.}
{我需要一张新的办公桌。|Wǒ xūyào yī zhāng xīn de bàngōngzhuō.}
{她有一张很可爱的脸。|Tā yǒu yī zhāng hěn kě'ài de liǎn.}
{请填好这张申请表。|Qǐng tián hǎo zhè zhāng shēnqǐngbiǎo.}
{这张唱片是绝版。|Zhè zhāng chàngpiàn shì juébǎn.}
{他买了一张去北京的票。|Tā mǎi le yī zhāng qù Běijīng de piào.}
{这张桌子占了很多空间。|Zhè zhāng zhuōzi zhàn le hěnduō kōngjiān.}
{这张蓝图展示了未来。|Zhè zhāng lántú zhǎnshì le wèilái.}
{他签了一张合同。|Tā qiān le yī zhāng hétóng.}
{这张报纸的头条很有趣。|Zhè zhāng bàozhǐ de tóutiáo hěn yǒuqù.}
{我有一张珍贵的邮票。|Wǒ yǒu yī zhāng zhēnguì de yóupiào.}
{这张网罗织得太密了。|Zhè zhāng wǎngluó zhī de tài mì le.}
{他拿出一张泛黄的信纸。|Tā ná chū yī zhāng fànhuáng de xìnzhǐ.}
{这张文书具有法律效力。|Zhè zhāng wénshū jùyǒu fǎlǜ xiàolì.}
{她在那张桌子上刻了字。|Tā zài nà zhāng zhuōzi shàng kè le zì.}
容易混淆
{个|gè} is the default, but {张|zhāng} is specific.
Both relate to thinness.
Both count objects.
常见错误
一个纸
一张纸
三纸
三张纸
一张桌
一张桌子
一个桌子
一张桌子
一张床子
一张床
几张的纸
几张纸
一张照片子
一张照片
一张脸部
一张脸
一张唱片子
一张唱片
两张地图子
两张地图
一张蓝图子
一张蓝图
一张合同子
一张合同
一张报纸子
一张报纸
句型
我有一___纸。
桌上有___照片。
这是___桌子。
请给我___票。
Real World Usage
一张菜单
一张机票
一张办公桌
一张纸
一张照片
一张地图
想想“表面”
书可不是“张”
数字生活
Smart Tips
Visualize the object as a flat sheet.
Remember tables and beds are flat.
Always include the measure word.
Use {这张|zhè zhāng} for 'this'.
发音
Tone of {张|zhāng}
First tone, high and flat.
Statement
一张纸 ↘
Neutral declaration
Question
几张纸 ↗
Inquiry
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of a 'sheet' of paper being 'stretched' out. {张|zhāng} looks like a bow pulling a string tight.
视觉联想
Imagine a flat, thin sheet of paper lying on a flat table. Both the paper and the table use {张|zhāng}.
Rhyme
Flat and thin, {张|zhāng} will win!
Story
I sat at {一张桌子|yī zhāng zhuōzi} with {一张纸|yī zhāng zhǐ}. I looked at {一张照片|yī zhāng zhàopiàn} and then went to sleep on {一张床|yī zhāng chuáng}.
Word Web
挑战
Find 3 flat objects in your room and say their names aloud using {张|zhāng}.
文化笔记
Used universally for all flat objects.
Same usage, but sometimes {张|zhāng} is used for more specific items.
They use {张|zhāng} similarly in Mandarin, but have their own classifiers in Cantonese.
Derived from the verb {张|zhāng} meaning 'to stretch' or 'to open'.
对话开场白
你有几张照片？
你桌上有几张纸？
你买过几张电影票？
你觉得这张桌子怎么样？
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
我有一___桌子。(I have one table.)
选择正确的短语：
Find and fix the mistake:
这是一本照片。(This is a photo.)
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercises我有一___纸。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我有三纸。
照片 / 我 / 一张 / 有
Match: 纸, 书, 人
A: 你有几张票？ B: ___
Can you use {张|zhāng} for a bed?
Change 'one' to 'five' for '一张纸'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises请给我两___纸。(Please give me two pieces of paper.)
这___床很大。(This bed is very big.)
哪怕只有一张嘴，我也说不过你。(Even with one mouth, I can't out-talk you.)
哪个名词可以和 "一张" 搭配？
“That map” 怎么说？
有 / 我 / 两 / 机票 / 张
正确连线：
一___名片 (One business card)
我要买三个票。(I want to buy three tickets.)
选择正确的选项：
___ 纸是谁的？(Whose paper is this?)
A smiling face
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
It is considered a flat surface for sleeping.
Yes, but it sounds less native.
No, it is always first tone.
Yes, any sheet of paper.
Books use {本|běn}.
It is neutral and standard.
Yes, it's a common descriptive usage.
It will sound like broken Chinese.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Articles (un/una)
Chinese classifiers are mandatory for counting.
Partitive articles
Chinese integrates the measure word into the number.
None
Chinese requires a classifier.
枚 (mai)
The specific items covered differ slightly.
None
Chinese has no plural inflection.
Measure words
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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