Approximating with sequential numbers

Structure

An easy way to express approximate numbers is to use two sequential numbers in a row.

Number + (Number+1)

This is similar to saying "x to y", "x or y" or "about x" in English.

Examples

• 三 四 个人。
• 我 喝 了 七 八 瓶 啤酒 了。
• 一 两 天。

See also

• Indicating a Number in Excess
• Measure words for counting

Sources and further reading

Books

• A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 60) →buy
• Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 19-20) →buy