HSK 1
个
gè
(measure word)
Structure
Number + 个 + Noun
How it works
‘个’ (gè) is the most common and versatile measure word in Chinese. It is used before nouns to count people, objects, or abstract concepts when a specific measure word is not required or known.
Examples
我有一个哥哥。
Wǒ yǒu yí gè gēge.
I have an older brother.
三个苹果多少钱？
Sān gè píngguǒ duōshǎo qián?
How much are three apples?
那个医生是我的朋友。
Nà gè yīshēng shì wǒ de péngyou.
That doctor is my friend.
Common mistakes
Do not omit the measure word '个' when using a number or demonstrative (like 'this' or 'that') before a noun; you cannot say '三学生', you must say '三个学生'.
Tip
When in doubt, use '个'. While many nouns have specific measure words, '个' is often accepted in casual conversation for most items.
More HSK 1 grammar
See 个 in real Chinese
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