个个 · 一个一个
every single one (个个都) · one by one (一个一个地)
Structure
量词 + 量词 + 都 … · 一 + 量词 + 一 + 量词 （+ 地） + 动词
What it means
A doubled measure word means “every single one”: 个个, 件件, 天天 (every day), 年年 (every year). 一个一个（地）means “one by one”.
How it is built
Noun + doubled measure word + 都: 这些苹果个个都很大 (Every one of these apples is big). 一 + MW + 一 + MW (+ 地) + verb: 请大家一个一个地进来.
When to use it
The doubled word comes after the noun or subject it sums up. 一……一…… (usually with 地) says how something is done: one by one, floor by floor (一层一层地).
Watch out
A doubled measure word is almost always followed by 都: 王明天天都骑车上班. Don’t mix the two: 个个 = every one; 一个一个 = one at a time.
Examples
这些苹果个个都很大。
Every one of these apples is big.
王明天天都骑车上班。
Wang Ming cycles to work every day.
请大家一个一个地进来。
Please come in one at a time.
她的衣服件件都很漂亮。
Every one of her outfits is lovely.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 1: 搬家 (Moving in)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
Open the lesson →