位 wèi — polite classifier for people
wèi (fourth tone, falling)wei4
polite classifier for people
HSK 3· HSK 1–4 (classic)Level 3· Three-band, nine-level standardmeasure
Meanings
polite classifier for people
The respectful counterpart of 个 when counting people: 一位老师, 三位客人. It carries deference, so it is used of teachers, guests and customers — and never of oneself, of children, or of anyone being spoken of slightingly.
measure
Example sentences
- 这位是我们的经理。這位是我們的經理。Zhè (fourth tone, falling) wèi (fourth tone, falling) shì (fourth tone, falling) wǒmen (third tone, dipping) de (neutral tone) jīnglǐ. (first tone, high and level)···
This is our manager.
- 今天有几位客人要来。今天有幾位客人要來。Jīntiān (first tone, high and level) yǒu (third tone, dipping) jǐ (third tone, dipping) wèi (fourth tone, falling) kèrén (fourth tone, falling) yào (fourth tone, falling) lái. (second tone, rising)···
A few guests are coming today.
Common mistakes
Not quite我们班有三十位学生。
Correct我们班有三十个学生。
位 honours the person counted, so it does not fit a headcount. Thirty pupils in a class are 三十个学生; the same thirty, addressed politely at a ceremony, would be 各位.