Where it goes
Number + measure word + noun: 三本书, 两只猫, 一杯咖啡.
What it does
- 01个 — general default: 一个人, 三个问题
- 02只 — most animals: 一只狗, 两只鸟
- 03条 — long flexible things and fish: 一条鱼, 一条裤子
- 04本 — bound volumes: 一本书, 一本杂志
- 05张 — flat sheets: 一张纸, 一张票
- 06杯 / 碗 / 瓶 — drinks and servings: 一杯咖啡, 一碗饭
Common learner errors
- ⚠一个马 → 一匹马 (horse takes 匹)
- ⚠一个眼镜 → 一副眼镜 (glasses take 副)
- ⚠我有三狗 → 我有三只狗 (the measure word is missing entirely)
Try it
我买了二个苹果和一个眼镜。
Run this sentence through the Grammar Checker to see this pattern caught in action.
Coming soon · Social Meaning Coach
Literal meaning is only half the story. When your boss says 「这个事情你再想想」 — is it advice, or an order?
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