| If you’re learning Chinese, you’ve almost certainly asked: why do I need to use a 量词 (liàng cí - measure word) for every single noun? For English speakers, this grammar rule is one of the most frustrating parts of learning Chinese — but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, once you understand the logic, measure words become an easy way to make your Chinese sound far more natural.  First, let’s clear up the basics: a measure word is a word that sits between a number and a noun, to describe the type or unit of the noun. English has measure words too (we say “a cup of tea” or “a piece of paper”, not “a tea” or “a paper”) — Chinese just uses them for every single noun. The biggest mistake new learners make is overusing 个 (gè), the most common and generic measure word. While 个 works for most people (一个人 yí gè rén - one person) and informal conversations, using the correct specific measure word will make your Chinese sound much more fluent. Here are the 4 most useful measure words you can start using today: 本 (běn): Used for bound, printed items, like books, magazines, or notebooks. For example: 一本书 (yì běn shū - one book) 张 (zhāng): Used for flat, thin items, like paper, tickets, tables, or photos. For example: 一张纸 (yì zhāng zhǐ - one piece of paper) 杯 (bēi): Used for drinks in cups or glasses. For example: 一杯咖啡 (yì bēi kā fēi - one cup of coffee) 辆 (liàng): Used for wheeled vehicles, like cars, bikes, or buses. For example: 一辆自行车 (yí liàng zì xíng chē - one bicycle) The best way to learn? When you memorize a new 名词 (míng cí - noun), memorize its matching measure word at the same time. With just 10 minutes of practice a week, you’ll stop fearing measure words and start using them like a local. |
| FOLLOW US： |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |