Questions and Answers
What is the classifier used for individual things and people?
What is the classifier for general items of differing attributes?
Which classifier is used for types or kinds of objects?
What is the classifier for one of a pair, animals, and birds?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the classifier 把 refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
Which classifier represents volumes of books?
Signup and view all the answers
What classifier is used for public spectacles or games?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the classifier for flowers and clouds?
Signup and view all the answers
What character is used for small items such as grains of rice?
Signup and view all the answers
Which classifier refers to wheeled vehicles?
Signup and view all the answers
What classifier is used for written works like papers and articles?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the character 顆 classify?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Chinese Classifiers Overview
- Classifiers are essential in the Chinese language to specify and categorize nouns.
General Classifiers
- 個 (gè): A versatile measure word for individual items and people, used when the proper classifier is unknown.
- 樣 (yàng): Used for general items with different attributes.
Classifiers for Types of Objects
- 種 (zhǒng): Refers to types or kinds of objects, particularly animals (e.g., 動物).
- 隻 (zhī): Used for animals (e.g., birds, cats) and one of a pair (e.g., hands, legs).
Classifiers for Specific Functions
- 把 (bǎ): Represents "handful" items with handles or flat objects like knives and chairs.
- 本 (běn): Denotes volumes of bound printed matter like books.
- 部 (bù): Used for items like novels, movies, and some machines (Cantonese only).
Classifiers Related to Structures and Events
- 層 (céng): Signifies storeys of buildings or layers in cakes.
- 場 (chǎng): Represents public spectacles, games, and films.
Classifiers for Time and Instances
- 次 (cì): Associated with time-related terms like opportunities and accidents.
- 起 (qǐ): Refers to instances or batches of occurrences.
Classifiers for People and Gatherings
- 家 (jiā): Indicates gatherings of people (families, establishments).
- 號 (hào): Used for people, workmen, and business deals.
Classifiers for Objects with Specific Characteristics
- 頂 (dǐng): Used for objects with protruding tops, such as hats.
- 根 (gēn): For slender, thin objects like needles and strands.
- 枝 (zhī): An alternative for 支, utilized for stalk-like items.
Classifiers for Food, Plants, and Animals
- 頓 (dùn): Refers to meals.
- 棵 (kē): Used for trees and other flora.
- 顆 (kē): Signifies small objects like grains or fruits.
Classifiers for Actions and Academic Contexts
- 題 (tí): Related to test or exam questions.
- 項 (xiàng): Indicates items or projects, such as proposals and statements.
Classifiers for Transport and Movement
- 輛 (liàng): Used for wheeled vehicles like cars and bikes.
- 班 (bān): Refers to scheduled transportation services.
Specialized Classifiers
- 桿 (gǎn): For objects with "poles" such as spears and balance scales.
- 魚頭 (yú tóu): For domesticated animals, particularly for fish.
- 堂 (táng): For periods of classes and groups of furniture.
Unique Classifiers
- 宇 (yǔ): Specific to academic subjects and large items.
- 份 (fèn): Refers to portions or copies of documents.
Cultural and Linguistic Notes
- Some classifiers are specific to Cantonese and may not be universally recognized in Mandarin.
- The use of honorific classifiers (位 wèi) allows for respectful reference to people in higher social positions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of Chinese classifiers with these flashcards. Each flashcard features a word, its definition, and examples of usage. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their Mandarin vocabulary.
