Other Structures - (1) Numerative Phrases
其他结构类型 — （1）数量短语
The numeral-classifier phrase (数量短语) combines a number and a classifier. It is indispensable for quantifying Chinese nouns.
Structure
Number + Classifier (+ Noun)
Elements
Numerative Phrase
How to use it
- Always use a classifier between the number and the noun.
- 个 is the default classifier.
Examples
三个人。
sān gèrén。
Three people.
两本书。
liǎng běn shū。
Two books.
一杯水。
yī bēizi shuǐ。
A glass of water.
Notes and exceptions
- The classifier is OBLIGATORY, unlike in French.
Common mistakes
- * Three books → Three books: always use a classifier.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(Always use a classifier between the number and the noun.)
2. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(个 is the default classifier.)