Measure Word Usage
In Mandarin Chinese, measure words (also called classifiers) are small words that appear between a number or demonstrative and a noun, and they shape how we count, quantify, or describe things. This short guide goes over the key measure words and when to use them.
Key Measure Words
Measure words are mostly tied to the type, shape, or category of the noun they classify. Here are some of the most common ones to get you started.
个 gè (general measure word)
Gè 个 is the default measure word that can be used with many nouns when you don’t know the specific classifier, making it very useful in everyday speech.
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本 běn (for books)
Běn 本 is used for bound items like books, magazines, and notebooks, so use it when counting or referring to reading materials.
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杯 bēi (for cups/glasses)
Bēi 杯 measures volumes of drink served in cups or glasses, such as tea, coffee, or water.
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把 bǎ (for things with handles)
Bǎ 把 is used for objects that have handles, like knives, umbrellas, or chairs you can grasp.
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条 tiáo (for long/thin things)
Tiáo 条 measures long, narrow, or flexible things such as rivers, fish, pants, or roads.
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只 zhī (for animals and paired things)
Zhī 只 measures certain animals and can also be used for one of a pair, like ears or hands.
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Usage
Measure words appear when you use a number, a demonstrative (zhè 这 or nà 那), or another quantifier before a noun. The pattern is typically: modifier + measure word + noun.
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Summary
Learning a handful of common measure words and practicing them with concrete nouns will make your Mandarin sound natural and precise. When in doubt, use gè 个 as a placeholder while you learn more specific classifiers.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025