Measure words with "this" and "that"

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In English, when you refer to "that girl" or "this table" you only need two words: "this" or "that" plus the noun you're referring to. In Chinese, though, you also need a measure word in the middle between the two. In the very beginning you can get away with using 个 (ge) for everything, but pretty soon you're going to have to start using other measure words in these simple phrases.

Structure

If you use 这 (zhè) or 那 (nà) before a noun, you need to include a measure word (MW).

这 / 那 + MW + Noun

Examples

  • rénthat person
  • 啤酒 zhè píng píjiǔthis bottle of beer
  • 巧克力 kuài qiǎokèlìthat piece of chocolate
  • 桌子 zhè zhāng zhuōzithis table
  • zhè běn shūthis book
  • 手机 zhè shǒujīthis cell phone
  • 小 狗 zhè zhī xiǎo gǒuthis small dog
  • 小 猫 zhī xiǎo māothat small cat
  • 咖啡 bēi kāfēithat cup of coffee
  • tiáothat fish

See also

Sources and further reading

Books