Measure Word Lab One noun, the right classifier
中文

Chinese Measure Word Guide

Find the right Chinese measure word for a noun, browse nouns that go with a measure word, and practise with a quick quiz

Browse by category

About measure words

Chinese nouns do not have a single “correct” measure word in every context: the choice depends on shape, container, pair/group, and register. This page lists the most common everyday pairing first, with alternatives marked where they are widely used. Examples are written as “一 + measure word + noun” to show the pattern; in real sentences the number can change.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a rule for 条, 张 and 片?

A rough guide: 条 for long, flexible things (fish, roads, trousers), 张 for flat things (paper, photos, tables), 片 for thin slices or patches (leaf, snowflake, sea). There are many exceptions, so learn them with the noun.

Why can some nouns take more than one measure word?

The measure word can highlight a different shape or container. A bunch of flowers is 一束花, a single bloom is 一朵花, and one stem is 一枝花. Switching the measure word changes the picture in the reader’s mind.

Can I use 个 for everything?

In casual speech 个 is very flexible, but it sounds vague or careless with people and formal writing. 位 for a person is polite; 名 is used in lists and statistics.

More tools on this site