有 + 数量
to be as much as, to reach (an amount)
Structure
主语 + 有 + 数量 (+ 形容词)
What it means
有 before an amount means “is as much as, reaches”. It often hints that the amount is a lot.
How it is built
Subject + 有 + amount (+ adjective): 这个西瓜有五公斤 (This watermelon weighs a good five kilos). Ask with 有多 + adjective: 有多高?有多重?
When to use it
Use it for size, weight, height and distance: 从这儿到机场有三十多公里. Questions: 有多远?有多长? (多 + adjective, as in 多大, h1-5).
Watch out
Don’t use 是 here. ✗ 你的包是多重? ✓ 你的包有多重?
Examples
这个西瓜有五公斤。
This watermelon weighs five kilos.
我弟弟有一米九。
My younger brother is 1.9 metres tall.
从这儿到机场有三十多公里。
It’s over 30 km from here to the airport.
——你的包有多重?——有十公斤。
“How heavy is your bag?” “Ten kilos.”
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 15: 中国有多大 (How big is China?)
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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