Measure words are words used between numerals and nouns to express a unit of measure or category. Chinese nouns generally require an appropriate measure word to express quantity. When choosing a measure word, decide based on the noun's nature and customary usage.

'Ge' is the most general measure word; it can be used for people, things, and many items. In spoken language, 'ge' often substitutes for other measure words, but in formal expression you should prefer specific measure words.

'本' is used for printed materials that have volumes, issues, or binding forms. When referring to books, magazines, etc., after a numeral, '本' is used instead of '个'.

'张' is used for flat, thin sheet-like objects. When counting items like paper, tickets, photos, etc., '张' is commonly used.

'只' is commonly used for small animals and for single items within a paired set. It can also be used for parts of the body or one side of a paired instrument.

'条' is used for long, slender, strip-shaped or belt-shaped things. Common for nouns such as fish, pants, roads, etc.

'件' is used for clothing, matters/events, messages, etc. When counting clothing or a matter, it is common to use '件'.

'杯' is used for cup-shaped vessels that hold contents, and '瓶' is used for bottle-like containers. 'Cup' and 'bottle' are commonly used for beverages and other countable containers.

'辆' is used for wheeled vehicles; '架' is used for devices with supports or frames. Distinguishing noun features helps in selecting the right measure word.

'双' is used for naturally paired items; '对' is used for two items or a set. For shoes and chopsticks, use '双'; for couples or earrings, use '对'.

Common nouns typically have fixed measure-word collocations; for new words you can look up customary usage. Avoid directly counting with nouns like 'one apple' or 'one pants'—Chinese requires an appropriate measure word.