个/個 ge — general measure word

Meanings

1. 1

   general measure word

   The default measure word, used between a number or demonstrative and a noun: 一个人, 三个苹果, 这个学校. When you do not know the specific measure word, 个 is nearly always understood.

   measure
2. 2

   measure word for people

   measure

   For people 个 is the everyday choice; 位 is its polite equivalent, used for guests, teachers and customers.

Example sentences

• 这个人我不认识。/這個人我不認識。Zhège (fourth tone, falling) rén (second tone, rising) wǒ (third tone, dipping) bú (second tone, rising) rènshi. (fourth tone, falling)···

  I don’t know this person.

• 他有一个漂亮的女儿。/他有一個漂亮的女兒。Tā (first tone, high and level) yǒu (third tone, dipping) yí (second tone, rising) ge (neutral tone) piàoliang (fourth tone, falling) de (neutral tone) nǚ (third tone, dipping) ér. (second tone, rising)···

  He has a beautiful daughter.

Common mistakes

• Not quite三人

  Correct三个人

  A number never touches a noun directly in Chinese. Something has to stand between them, and when no special measure word applies that something is 个.

Similar words