HSK 1
数量短语
shù liàng duǎn yǔ
Quantity phrases
Explanation
A quantity phrase in Chinese is formed by: number + measure word (量词 liàngcí — a word for the counting unit of a thing, like "cái, chiếc, con..." in Vietnamese).
Number + Measure word (+ Noun). For example 一个 (yī gè — one), 两杯 (liǎng bēi — two cups), 三本 (sān běn — three volumes), 四包 (sì bāo — four packs), 五块 (wǔ kuài — five pieces/chunks).
you must insert a measure word between the number and the noun; each kind of thing goes with its own measure word — 个 (gè) for general things, 杯 (bēi) for cups/glasses, 本 (běn) for books/notebooks, 包 (bāo) for packs, 块 (kuài) for pieces/chunks.
dropping the measure word and saying number + noun directly (wrong: 一书) whereas the correct form is 一本书 (one book); using the wrong measure word, e.g. saying 一个书 instead of 一本书.
Examples
one (piece), two cups, three volumes, four packs, five pieces/chunks
Learn “数量短语” effectively
The grammar point “数量短语” (Quantity phrases) is one of the key structures at HSK 1. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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