个 (gè)
个 is the most versatile and commonly used measure word in Chinese. It can be applied to a wide range of general objects and people when the noun does not have a specific measure word or the specific measure word is unknown to the speaker.
e.g.
- 一个人 (yí gè rén) one person
- 一个苹果 (yí gè píngguǒ) an apple
- 一个问题 (yí gè wèntí) a question
位 (wèi)
位 is used specifically for people, and it carries a connotation of respect or formality. It is often used in formal contexts to indicate one’s profession, position or social status.
e.g.
- 一位老师 (yí wèi lǎoshī) a teacher (with a respectful tone)
- 一位医生 (yí wèi yīshēng) a doctor
- 一位客人 (yí wèi kèrén) a guest
口 (kǒu)
口 is used primarily for counting family members and things that can be conceptualized as having an opening or being an opening. It also applies to certain types of actions that involve the mouth.
e.g.
- 三口人 (sān kǒu rén) three members of a family
- 一口井 (yì kǒu jǐng) a well
- 一口锅 (yì kǒu guō) a pot
- 一口气 (yì kǒu qì) in one breath
Learn and practice all commonly used Chinese Measure Words.
Exercise
