根, 条, and 支 are all used to classify the object that is long and thin. What’s the differences between them? How do we choose the correct one to use in daily life? Here, we will discuss how they are used with different nouns.
Learn and practice all commonly used Chinese Measure Words.
根 (gēn)
根 is typically used with long, thin, cylindrical objects. It often describes things that are relatively straight and narrow.
e.g.
- 一根黄瓜 (yī gēn huángguā) A cucumber
- 一根木棍 (yī gēn mùgùn) A stick
- 一根火柴 (yī gēn huǒchái) A matchstick
条 (tiáo)
条 is used with objects that are long, flexible, and often movable. It is suitable for items that can bend or have a flowing nature, as well as animals that are long and narrow.
e.g.
- 一条鱼 (yī tiáo yú) A fish
- 一条毛巾 (yī tiáo máojīn) A towel
- 一条蛇 (yī tiáo shé) A snake
- 一条裤子 (yī tiáo kùzi) A pair of pants
- 一条河 (yī tiáo hé) A river
- 一条路 (yī tiáo lù) A road
支 (zhī)
支 is commonly used with objects that are elongated and typically held in one’s hand. It is often used for tools or items that are somewhat similar in shape to 根, but generally more functional in terms of being used for specific tasks.
e.g.
- 一支笔 (yī zhī bǐ) A pen
- 一支队伍 (yī zhī duìwǔ) A team
- 一支口红 (yī zhī kǒuhóng) A lipstick
- 一支烟 (yī zhī yān) A cigarette
Exercise
