01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
我还有两个问题。
I still have two questions.
两 comes before 个 in this ordinary counting phrase.
门口有三个人。
There are three people at the entrance.
个人 is built with the classifier 个 before 人.
那个苹果是给你的。
That apple is for you.
个 also appears between 那 and the noun being pointed out.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
When you count many kinds of nouns in Chinese, a classifier goes between the number and the noun. 个 is a common classifier for people and many everyday things. Learn the three-part unit together: number, classifier, noun. A phrase such as 三个问题 is one complete noun phrase meaning “three questions.”
For two of something, 两 is normally used before a classifier: 两个人 rather than 二个人. With one, the spoken tone of 一 changes according to what follows. Some pinyin shows dictionary tones; other pinyin reflects these spoken changes.
个 is common, but it is not a universal classifier. Books normally use 本, flat tickets use 张, and cups of a drink use 杯. Learn a noun together with its usual classifier when you meet it. The same classifier position also appears after 这 and 那 when you identify “this” or “that” particular item.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid我有三问题。
Use我有三个问题。
An exact count of questions needs a classifier between the number and 问题. In this case, insert 个. Do not assume the missing word is an English-style plural ending.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 问题 | wèntí | question; problem |
| 门口 | ménkǒu | entrance; doorway |
| 苹果 | píngguǒ | apple |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
