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HSK 2.0 Level 1+ HSK 3.0 Level 1+ 6 min read

Number + Measure Word Phrases like 三个, 两本, 一次

Count people, things and actions the Chinese way, with a measure word between the number and the noun: 三个人, 两本书, 去过一次.

Pattern

number + measure word (+ noun): 三个人; verb + number + 次: 去过一次

A number never touches a noun directly: put a measure word in between, as in 一本书.

我买了三本书。

When to use Number + Measure Word Phrases like 三个, 两本, 一次

In Chinese a number can’t go straight before a noun. Put a measure word in between: 一个人, 三本书, 两杯水. 个 is the general measure word for people and many things; others match the noun, like 本 for books and 杯 for cups. Before a measure word, 2 on its own is 两, not 二: 两个人 (but 十二个人).

我有一个哥哥。

I have one older brother.

我要两杯水。

I’d like two glasses of water. (两 before a measure word)

我们班有三十个学生。

There are thirty students in our class.

你家有几口人？

How many people are there in your family?

Common traps

  • Say 一本书, not 一书: a measure word must come between the number and the noun.
  • Say 两个人, not 二个人: before a measure word, 2 on its own is 两 (but 十二个人).
  • Ask 你们学校有多少学生？, not 有几个学生: 几 expects an answer under ten.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

我买了 本书

I bought two books
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