A "measure word" goes in between a number and an item.  In the following English sentences, the underlined word is a "measure word:"

   Two flocks of geese.  Three loaves of bread.

English sometimes uses measure words, but Chinese almost always uses measure words when counting things.  Each item has its appropriate measure word, and there is also a general use measure word that you can use if you do not know the customary measure word.  That general use measure word is "ge."  (sounds like the first two letters in the English word "gutter."

When translating from Chinese to English, we do not usually translate the measure word if we do not commonly use one in that situation in English.  Chines may say "two long-objects of boats," and we translate at "two boats."

  Return to page 12.