Study resource · 量词 Liàngcí

Chinese
Measure Words
— mastered.

The complete guide to 量词 (liàngcí). Search, filter and quiz yourself on 60+ classifiers — with example sentences, pinyin and usage rules.

60+ measure words Interactive search Built-in quiz Free resource
个gègeneral
只zhīanimals
本běnbooks
张zhāngflat things
辆liàngvehicles
杯bēidrinks
条tiáolong/thin
把bǎhandled
件jiànclothing
📐 What is a measure word?
In Chinese, you can't say "three book" — you need a classifier between the number and the noun. These classifiers are 量词 (liàngcí). English has them too: "a sheet of paper," "two cups of tea." In Chinese, nearly every noun requires one.
🔢 The structure
Number + Measure word + Noun
三 本 书
Sān běn shū
Three (books) books
💡 The golden rule
When in doubt, use 个 (gè) — the universal measure word that works for people and many objects. It's not always perfect, but native speakers will understand you. Then learn the correct classifier over time.
🔍
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Showing 60 measure words
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Use these in real conversations

Measure words make sense fastest when you practise them in sentences with a native teacher — not just in lists.

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