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

Measure Words with 个

Count people and things with the basic measure word pattern.

Pattern

Number + measure word + noun

Put a measure word between numbers and nouns.

我有三个朋友。

When to use Measure Words with 个

Chinese usually does not put a number directly before a noun. 个 is the most common starter measure word and works for many everyday nouns.

她买了两本书。

She bought two books.

请给我一杯水。

Please give me a glass of water.

这个人是我的朋友。

This person is my friend.

我要两个苹果。

I want two apples.

Common traps

  • Do not say 三朋友 without a measure word.
  • 个 is useful but not the best measure word for every noun.
  • Remember 两 is common before measure words.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

我有三 朋友

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
general measure word