一个 · 两个
counting things: a measure word goes between the number and the noun
Structure
数词 + 量词 + 名词 · 这／那 + 量词 + 名词
What it means
A number can't go straight onto a noun: a measure word goes in between. 个 is the most common one.
How it is built
Number + measure word + noun: 我有两个弟弟 (I have two younger brothers). 这/那 + measure word + noun: 这个女孩儿 (this girl).
When to use it
个 works for people and for many things. Some nouns have their own measure word, such as 口 for the people in a family: 他家有四口人. Before a measure word, 2 is 两 (lesson p-4).
Watch out
✗ 一孩子 ✓ 一个孩子. ✗ 二个孩子 ✓ 两个孩子. 这 and 那 need the measure word too: 这个女孩儿.
Examples
我有两个弟弟。
I have two younger brothers.
这个女孩儿是我妹妹。
This girl is my younger sister.
他家有四口人。
There are four people in his family.
我有三个中国朋友。
I have three Chinese friends.
Learn this in HSK 1 · Lesson 4: 我家有五口人 (How many in your family?)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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