Classifiers (3) – 量词 (3)

Classifiers (3) – 量词 (3)

次 (cì)

“次” could be the classifier for times, as in frequency. Measure for the number of times an action is taken.

e.g.

我们见了两次面，吃了一次饭。(Wǒmen jiànle liǎng cì miàn, chīle yīcì fàn.) We met twice and had a meal.

“次” could be the individual measure for the number of repetitions in a given period of time.

e.g.

一次事故 (yīcì shìgù) an accident

一次检查 (yīcì jiǎnchá) a check

遍 (biàn)

“遍” as a classifier indicates the whole process of action from start to end.

e.g.

请读一遍课文。(Qǐng dú yībiàn kèwén.) Please read the text again.

这个练习我们再做一遍。 (Zhège liànxí wǒmen zài zuò yībiàn.) Let’s do this exercise again.

趟 (tàng)

“趟” as a classifier indicates the whole process of going to and returning from a place.

e.g.

我去了两趟学校。(Wǒ qùle liǎng tàng xuéxiào.) I went to school twice.

这些东西一趟搬不完。(Zhèxiē dōngxi yī tàng bān bù wán.) These things can’t be finished in one trip.

场 (chǎng / cháng)

“场” (chǎng) is a classifier for dramas, performances, sports, examinations, etc.

e.g.

一场演出 (yī chǎng yǎnchū) A show

一场比赛 (yī chǎng bǐsài) A match

一场考试 (yī chǎng kǎoshì) An exam

“场” (cháng) means one happening of something, such as for natural phenomena, for disasters, or for general diseases.

e.g.

一场大雨 (yī cháng dàyǔ) A heavy rain

一场大火 (yī cháng dàhuǒ) A big fire

一场病 (yī cháng bìng) An illness

Note that for disease, it can’t be used for something specific.

e.g.

✘ 一场心脏病 (yī cháng xīnzàng bìng) A heart attack

下 (xià)

“下” as a classifier indicates the times of action or the short duration of time.

e.g.

我敲了几下门。(Wǒ qiāole jǐ xià mén.) I knocked on the door a few times.

你等我一下。 (Nǐ děng wǒ yīxià.) Wait for me a while.’

回 (huí)

“回” as a classifier indicates the individual measurements for a matter or a thing. The word like “这么” “那么” 怎么” is often put before it.

e.g.

这是怎么回事？(Zhè shì zěnme huí shì?) How is this going?

你们说的是两回事。(Nǐmen shuō de shì liǎnghuíshì.) You are talking about two different things.

“回” as a classifier could measure for the number of times an action is taken, just like “次”.

e.g.

我去过一回北京。(Wǒ qùguò yī huí Běijīng.) I have been to Beijing once.

我见过他几回。(Wǒ jiànguò tā jǐ huí.) I have seen him several times.