HSK 2
名量词：层、封、件、条、位
míng liàng cí ： céng 、 fēng 、 jiàn 、 tiáo 、 wèi
Measure words: 层, 封, 件, 条, 位
Explanation
These are measure words (words for units of counting, like "cái, con, quyển" in Vietnamese). In Chinese, between a number and a noun (a word for a person or thing) there must be a measure word, and each kind of thing goes with its own particular measure word.
Number + measure word + noun. Specifically: 层 (céng) counts floors of a building — 两层楼 (two floors); 封 (fēng) counts letters — 一封信 (one letter); 件 (jiàn) counts clothes and matters — 一件衣服 (one piece of clothing); 条 (tiáo) counts long, thin things such as rivers, roads, fish — 一条河 (one river); 位 (wèi) counts people politely and respectfully — 一位老师 (one teacher).
whenever you count or point out a specific quantity of things.
(1) Omitting the measure word, saying 一衣服 instead of 一件衣服. (2) Using the wrong measure word, for example using 个 (ge) for everything; remember 条 for long things, 位 for respected people. (3) Using 位 for a familiar, casual acquaintance sounds unnatural; 位 carries a formal, respectful nuance.
Examples
two floors of a building, one letter, one piece of clothing, one river, one (respected) teacher
Learn “名量词：层、封、件、条、位” effectively
The grammar point “名量词：层、封、件、条、位” (Measure words: 层, 封, 件, 条, 位) 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.
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