Introduction
Are you learning Chinese and needing help understanding the numbers and counting system? You’re not alone, so relax. Chinese numerals, counting, quantifiers, and their use in daily life and culture will all be covered in this article. So let’s explore the fascinating world of counting and Chinese numbers!
Understanding Chinese Numbers
Basic Chinese Numerals (0-10)
To begin, it’s essential to learn the basic Chinese numerals from 0 to 10. Here they are:
- 0: 零 (líng)
- 1: 一 (yī)
- 2: 二 (èr)
- 3: 三 (sān)
- 4: 四 (sì)
- 5: 五 (wǔ)
- 6: 六 (liù)
- 7: 七 (qī)
- 8: 八 (bā)
- 9: 九 (jiǔ)
- 10: 十 (shí)
Chinese Number Structure
The Chinese number system is logical and easy to understand. For example, combine (shí) and a single-digit number to get the 11 to 19. So, 11 is 十一 (shíyī), and 19 is 十九 (shíjiǔ).
Counting in Chinese
Counting from 1 to 100
Now that you know the fundamental numbers, you can count in Chinese from 1 to 100. You need to memorize 20, 30, 40, and so on after learning digits 1 through 10:
- 20: 二十 (èrshí)
- 30: 三十 (sānshí)
To form numbers like 21 or 45, combine the tens and single-digit numbers:
- 21: 二十一 (èrshíyī)
- 45: 四十五 (sìshíwǔ)
Counting in Higher Numbers
Chinese counting more significant numbers is likewise very methodical. The following are some fundamental higher-order numerals:
- 100: 一百 (yībǎi)
- 1,000: 一千 (yīqiān)
- 10,000: 一万 (yīwàn)
- 100,000: 十万 (shíwàn)
Quantifiers in Chinese
General Quantifiers
In Chinese, quantifiers are necessary when discussing quantities. A general quantifier, 个 (gè), is used for most objects. For example:
- 一个苹果 (yī gè píngguǒ) – One apple
- 三个橙子 (sān gè chéngzi) – Three oranges
Specific Quantifiers
Chinese utilizes distinct quantifiers for particular items in addition to the basic quantifier. Several instances include:
- 张 (zhāng) for flat objects like paper or tickets
- 条 (tiáo) for long, thin objects like rivers or pants
- 本 (běn) for books
- 双 (shuāng) for pairs, like shoes or gloves
Ordinal Numbers in Chinese
Ordinal numbers in Chinese are pretty simple. Add 第 (dì) before the cardinal number to create the ordinal number:
- 第一 (dìyī) – First
- 第二 (dìèr) – Second
- 第三 (dìsān) – Third
Chinese Numbers in Daily Life
Dates and Time
Chinese utilizes distinct quantifiers for particular items in addition to the basic quantifier. Several instances include:
- 2023年5月1日 (èr líng èr sān nián wǔ yuè yī rì) – May 1, 2023
Chinese utilizes distinct quantifiers for particular items in addition to the basic quantifier. Several instances include:
- 3:45 (三点四十五分 – sān diǎn sìshíwǔ fēn) – 3:45
Phone Numbers
Chinese utilizes distinct quantifiers for particular items in addition to the basic quantifier. Several instances include:
- 1-800-555-1234 (一八零零五五五一二三四 – yī bā líng líng wǔ wǔ wǔ yī èr sān sì)
Prices and Money
Chinese numbers are also crucial when discussing prices and money. The main currency unit in China is 元 (yuán), but people often use 块 (kuài) colloquially:
- 五块钱 (wǔ kuài qián) – Five yuan
For smaller amounts, use 角 (jiǎo) or 分 (fēn):
- 五角 (wǔ jiǎo) – 50 cents
- 五分 (wǔ fēn) – Five cents
Chinese Numbers in Culture
Lucky and Unlucky Numbers
Certain numbers in Chinese culture are considered lucky or unlucky. For instance, 8 (八 bā) is considered lucky because it sounds like the word for wealth (发 fā). In contrast, 4 (四 sì) is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for death (死 sǐ).
Chinese Numerology
Chinese numerology is a centuries-old practice that bestows characteristics and meanings on individual numbers and their combinations. This method is applied in many facets of life, such as selecting lucky wedding dates or coming up with the ideal baby name. You can better grasp Chinese culture and history by becoming aware of the cultural importance of numbers.
Conclusion
Learning Chinese requires you to become fluent in counting and its associated numbers. The fundamentals of Chinese numerals, counting, quantifiers, ordinal numbers, and their use in daily life and culture have all been covered in this handbook. To become proficient with Chinese numbers, remember that practice is the key. You’ll soon be counting like a native speaker if you keep learning!
Click here to REGISTER for our SUMMER CAMP in 2023!
Learn about our Internship Program in China.
Learn about holidays in China in 2023.
Get free Chinese learning resources.
Read about the Spring Festival Celebration on NRK’s
