HSK 2
数量补语1：动词+动量补语
shù liàng bǔ yǔ 1 ： dòng cí + dòng liàng bǔ yǔ
Quantity complement (type 1): verb + action-measure complement
Explanation
This is a verbal-measure complement (a component placed after the verb to tell HOW MANY TIMES an action happens or for how long). "Verbal measure" means the number of times of the action.
verb (+ 过/了) + number + verbal measure word (+ object). Common verbal measure words: 次 (cì, time/occurrence), 遍 (biàn, a full round — emphasizing from start to finish), 下儿 (xiàr, a bit — a short, light action). For example 去过一次 (have gone once), 休息一下儿 (rest a little).
when you want to say an action was done how many times, or done gently and briefly (a moment, a bit).
次 (cì) counts times purely; 遍 (biàn) emphasizes the whole process from start to finish (看一遍 = read through once completely); 一下儿 (yíxiàr) makes the action lighter and more polite.
(1) If the object is a THING, the verbal-measure complement comes BEFORE the object: 看了一遍书, not 看了书一遍. (2) But if the object is a PRONOUN (你, 他), it comes after: 看了他一下. (3) Confusing the verbal-measure complement with verb reduplication; 看一下 (take a look) differs from 看看 even though their meanings are close.
Examples
I have been there once.
Let's take a little rest.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “数量补语1：动词+动量补语” effectively
The grammar point “数量补语1：动词+动量补语” (Quantity complement (type 1): verb + action-measure complement) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. 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.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.