Chinese Grammar Core Course — Unit 07
Unit 07
Numbers and measure words
A number normally needs a measure word before a noun, and 两 is common before measure words. Learn noun and measure word together as one usable chunk.
Ask what is being described before choosing 的, 地, or 得. A question is built by leaving the answer slot open, not by turning the sentence around.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Pattern to hear
两本书，三杯茶。
Meaning in context: Two books; three cups of tea.
How to use it
A number normally needs a measure word before a noun, and 两 is common before measure words. Learn noun and measure word together as one usable chunk.
三杯茶，两张票。
Ask what is being described before choosing 的, 地, or 得. A question is built by leaving the answer slot open, not by turning the sentence around.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Self-check
- How to use it
- Name the target of every modifier: a noun, an action, or the result after an action. Leave the question word in the answer slot.
- Build it yourself
- Make a mini catalog of four objects with number–measure-word chunks and ask a real question about each.
- Self-check
- Can you explain why 的, 地, or 得 appears where it does?
Contrast and decision
For English speakers, the main adjustment is not basic SVO order but keeping time, place, aspect markers, and complements in their Chinese positions.
What to notice: Numbers and measure words
More examples to read aloud
- 一张照片。
- 两位老师。
- 这本书。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.
Build it yourself
Count books, people, drinks, and flat objects around you.
说出两种物品和合适的量词。
Check the answer only after you have said or written your version.
Self-check
Model and reason
A number normally needs a measure word before a noun, and 两 is common before measure words. Learn noun and measure word together as one usable chunk.
两本书，四个人。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.