How to use 另、另外
另 / 另外 + Number + [Measure Word] + Noun
另 and 另外 distinguish an additional item or a different part of a group from one already mentioned. Follow them with the appropriate number and classifier before the noun. When a pair is established, the expression commonly means the other one; with a larger group, it can identify the remaining items in a specified quantity.
The noun can be omitted when its meaning is recoverable, while the classifier preserves the reference. There is normally no need for 的 between 另外 and an ordinary number-classifier phrase. 另一个 is especially frequent, but do not reduce the distinction to an absolute singular-versus-plural rule: established 另 combinations also occur with other quantities and expressions.
Examples with pinyin and English
我有两个手机，一个是小米， 另一个是 iPhone。
I have two cell phones. One is a Xiaomi, and the other is an iPhone.
她有两套房子，一套自己住， 另一套租给别人了。
She has two houses. She lives in one and rents the other one to other people.
我买了三张票，一张是我的， 另外两张是给朋友的。
I bought three tickets. One is for myself, and the other two are for my friends.
这几本书我今天拿走， 另外几本下次再拿。
I will take these books today. I can get the others next time.
What to remember
- Put 另 or 另外 before the quantity phrase.
- A known noun may be omitted.
- 另一个 is a common way to say another one.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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