beginner

Classifiers & Counting

Learn how to count objects in Chinese using specialized measure words (classifiers) like 個, 支, and 本, combined with existential structures.

In Chinese, you cannot count nouns directly with numbers. You must place a specific classifier (measure word) between the number and the noun:

  • 個 (gè) for general objects like cups.
  • 支 (zhī) for long, thin, rigid objects like pens.
  • 本 (běn) for books or bound documents.
三個杯子

three cups

To describe the existence of items in a location ("There are X in/on Y"), we use the existential verb 有 (yǒu) after the location subject:

桌子上有三個杯子。

There are three cups on the table.

Practice

Follow along with these examples to strengthen your understanding.

Assistant
Stage 1

書架上有幾本書？

How many books are on the bookshelf?

書架上有四本書。

There are four books on the bookshelf.

Assistant
Stage 2

盒子裡有幾支筆？

How many pens are in the box?

盒子裡有兩支筆。

There are two pens in the box.

Assistant
Stage 3

桌子上有幾個杯子？

How many cups are on the table?

桌子上有三個杯子。

There are three cups on the table.

Ringoo Icon

Learn faster with Ringoo apps

Trace your learning progress and get real-time feedback with interactive exercises.

App StoreGoogle Play
Classifiers & Counting | Ringoo