Top 5 Chinese Measure Words You Must Know to Speak Mandarin

Mastering Chinese measure words can be challenging for new learners. In Mandarin Chinese a measure word is required between numbers and nouns (e.g., one apple two chairs) and different nouns often require different measure words. With hundreds of options it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this article we introduce the 5 most common Chinese measure words that every beginner should know. Whether you’re learn Chinese online, studying for the HSK exam or planning to visit China, mastering these essential measure words will help you speak more fluently and naturally.

The Most Common Chinese Measure Words

01. Universal Measure Word: 个 (gè)

个
gè
universal measure word

“个” (gè) is the most commonly used Chinese measure word and is often called the universal measure word in Mandarin. It’s a must-know for anyone learning Chinese because you can use it when you’re unsure which specific measure word fits a noun. While “个” (gè) may not always be the most precise option, native speakers will still easily understand you. In general “个” (gè) is used to describe everyday objects especially things you can hold in your hands.

If you’re learning Mandarin online or preparing for Chinese proficiency exams like HSK, mastering “个” will give you a strong foundation for basic conversations.

EXAMPLES:

一个人
yī gè rén
one person

一个三明治
yī gè sān míng zhì
a sandwich

两个包
liǎng gè bāo
two bags

02. Describing Small Animals: 只 (zhī)

只
zhī
a measure word describing animals

“只” (zhī) is another common Chinese measure word often used to describe small animals in Mandarin. While in some cases it can be replaced by the universal measure word “个” (gè), “只” is the correct measure word for animals like dogs, cats and birds.

Learning to use “只” properly is essential for anyone studying Chinese online or preparing for conversations in real-life situations.

EXAMPLES:

一只小狗
yī zhī xiǎo gǒu
a puppy

三只小鸟
sān zhī xiǎo niǎo
three birds

03. A Cup of / Glass of: 杯 (bēi)

杯
bēi
a cup of / glass of

When ordering drinks like tea, coffee or beer, “杯” (bēi) is the measure word you’ll need in Mandarin. Unlike objects you can hold in your hands, liquids like tea or coffee require a specific measure word. In these cases “个” (gè) is not ideal. Instead, “杯” (bēi) means “a cup of” or “a glass of” depending on the beverage.

If you’re learning Mandarin online or preparing for HSK (Chinese proficiency exams) understanding how to use “杯” properly is key for real-life conversations, especially in cafes and restaurants.

EXAMPLES:

一杯咖啡
yī bēi kāfēi
a cup of coffee

一杯啤酒
yī bēi píjiǔ
a glass of beer

04. A Piece of: 张 (zhāng)

张
zhāng
a piece of

When talking about flat objects like paper tickets or cards in Mandarin, the measure word “张” (zhāng) is commonly used. Whether you’re traveling in China or discussing everyday items like documents or business cards, “张” (zhāng) is the appropriate choice for describing a “piece of” something flat.

For those learning Mandarin or preparing for HSK exams, knowing how to use “张” is essential for smooth communication, especially when talking about paper-based items or travel documents.

EXAMPLES:

一张纸
yī zhāng zhǐ
a piece of paper

两张票
liǎng zhāng piào
two tickets

三张信用卡
sān zhāng xìnyòngkǎ
three credit cards

05.Describing Clothes: 件 (jiàn)

件
jiàn
a measure word to describe clothes

If you’re a fashion enthusiast or learning Mandarin for shopping, “件” (jiàn) is the measure word you’ll need when describing clothes In Mandarin. “件” (jiàn) is commonly used for clothing items like shirts, sweaters, jackets and coats.

EXAMPLES:

一件衬衫
yī jiàn chènshān
a shirt

两件毛衣
liǎng jiàn máoyī
two sweaters

FAQ – Chinese Measure Words

01. What are Chinese measure words?

Chinese measure words are used in Mandarin to quantify nouns. They are often needed between numbers and nouns (like “two books” or “three dogs”) and vary depending on the type of object being described.

02. Why do Chinese measure words exist?

Measure words help provide clarity and structure to the Chinese language. As Chinese does not use articles like “a” or “the” in the same way English does, they ensure accurate communication of quantity and specificity.

03. How do I learn Chinese measure words?

To learn Chinese measure words, practice with online Mandarin courses, language apps or textbooks. Regular speaking practice and exposure to native speakers can also help solidify your understanding.

04. What’s the most common Chinese measure word?

The most common measure word in Mandarin is “个” (gè), which is often used for general objects, people and other things that do not have a specific measure word.

05. How do measure words differ between objects and animals?

Different measure words are used for different types of nouns. For example “只” (zhī) is used for small animals like dogs or birds, while “个” (gè) can be used for general objects.

We hope this post will be useful and help you next time want to use Chinese measure words to describe nouns. To find out more interesting phrases and questions in Chinese, check out one of our blog posts 5 Small Talk Phrases in Chinese