HSK 2
时量词：分钟、年、天、周
shí liàng cí ： fēn zhōng 、 nián 、 tiān 、 zhōu
Time-duration words: minute, year, day, week
Explanation
These are measure words (words indicating a counting unit) used to measure lengths of time, answering the question "how long."
Number + time unit → 分钟 (fēnzhōng) (minute), 年 (nián) (year), 天 (tiān) (day), 周 (zhōu) (week). For example 十分钟 (shí fēnzhōng) = ten minutes, 两年 (liǎng nián) = two years.
When saying how long something lasts, place this duration phrase after the verb, e.g. 我学了两年 (wǒ xué le liǎng nián) (I have studied for two years).
年 (nián) and 天 (tiān) are themselves units, so do NOT add 个 (ge) in between; but 星期 (xīngqī) (week) and 月 (yuè) (month), when counted, need 个 (e.g. 两个星期 (liǎng gè xīngqī)). The number 2 before a measure word uses 两 (liǎng), not 二 (èr).
Vietnamese learners often write 二年 / 二天 — this is wrong, it must be 两年 / 两天; and they often mistakenly add 个 before 年 / 天.
Examples
ten minutes, two years, five days, three weeks
Learn “时量词：分钟、年、天、周” effectively
The grammar point “时量词：分钟、年、天、周” (Time-duration words: minute, year, day, week) 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.