HSK 1
多少 N
duōshao N
how much N
Structure
Subject + Verb + 多少 + (Measure Word) + Noun?
How it works
The word 多少 (duōshao) is used to ask about quantity, typically when the expected number is greater than ten. Unlike 几 (jǐ), which requires a specific measure word, using a measure word with 多少 is optional, though it is often followed directly by a noun.
Examples
你们学校有多少学生？
Nǐmen xuéxiào yǒu duōshao xuésheng?
How many students are there in your school?
这个多少钱？
Zhège duōshao qián?
How much money is this?
你有多少个老师？
Nǐ yǒu duōshao gè lǎoshī?
How many teachers do you have?
Common mistakes
Mixing up 'jǐ' and 'duōshao'; use 'jǐ' for small numbers (under 10) with a mandatory measure word, and 'duōshao' for larger numbers or when the amount is unknown.
Tip
If you aren't sure which word to use for 'how many', choose 'duōshao'—it is safer because it works for any quantity and doesn't strictly require a measure word.
More HSK 1 grammar
See 多少 N in real Chinese
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