Measure words with nouns
Mandarin usually places a measure word between a number or demonstrative and the noun.
Examples
Mandarin ChineseTranslation
这本书很有意思。Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu yìsi.
This book is very interesting.
那个人是我的朋友。Nà ge rén shì wǒ de péngyou.
That person is my friend.
我买了两杯茶。Wǒ mǎi le liǎng bēi chá.
I bought two cups of tea.
Pattern
demonstrative/number + measure word + noun
How it works
Mandarin usually places a measure word between a number or demonstrative and the noun. This pattern typically appears as demonstrative/number + measure word + noun and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- The measure word sits between the demonstrative or number and the noun.
- Common items like 个, 本, 杯, and 张 appear constantly in beginner content.
Why it matters
Start with the structures that shape most beginner Mandarin sentences.
Use in context
Measure words are essential because you see them in nearly every sentence about objects, books, cups, people, and places.