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Numerical Classifiers (1) |
Classifiers (2) - 下 | |
| Chinese has many
different numerical classifiers or "measure words" when talking about different types of
objects. To speak correcly therefore, you cannot say "two
cats" - you would need to say "two <classifier> cats".
Actually English has the same concept as well, eg: a slice of pie,
a tin of paint etc. - the difference is that these measure words
are more important in Cantonese. For comments on this section please post here. |
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| 個 | go3 | Used when talking about people. It can also be used when describing small objects where it generally means "a piece". Generally, if you don't know the correct classifier to use for an object, 個 is a good default choice. It will probably be wrong but most people will still understand you! |
| 條 | tiu4 | Used for long, thin objects, such as rope, fish, roads, snakes etc. It can also be used for some items of clothing that are worn on the lower part of the body, such as trousers or skirts. |
| 隻 | zek3 | Used for many animals and parts of the body, such as birds, goats, hands, feet etc. |
| 枝 | zi1 | Used for stick-like objects, such as pens, pencils and brushes. |
| 間 | gaan1 | Used for rooms and some buildings. |
| 包 | baau1 | A packet or parcel. |
| 盒 | hap6 | Means "a box" or "case". Used for small, boxlike objects (but not boxes!). |
| 本 | bun2 | Used for objects that are bound together, typically books. |
| 張 | zoeng1 | leaf or sheet of something, eg paper. Also some objects that are flat, like a table |
| 部 | bou6 | used for machines, eg mobile phones, computers etc. Also commonly used for cars in Cantonese. |
| 件 | gin6 | Used for articles of clothing, typically those worn on the upper part of the body. |
| 架 | gaa3 | Used for objects that have a wooden framework or wheels, eg: car. |
