Home » Blog » An Introduction to Chinese Measure Words for Buildings

An Introduction to Chinese Measure Words for Buildings

Chinese measure words

IN A HURRY? READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<

Embark on a linguistic journey as we delve into the intricate world of Chinese measure words tailored specifically for describing buildings. From majestic towers to quaint houses, each structure is accompanied by a unique measure word, adding layers of precision and cultural richness to the language. Let’s explore some common measure words used for buildings and structures.

Chinese Measure Words for Buildings

座 (zuò)

Used for large, solid, and enduring structures.
For example

一座桥 (yī zuò qiáo) – a bridge
一座楼 (yī zuò lóu) – a building
一座塔 (yī zuò tǎ) – a tower
一座庙 (miào) – a temple

栋 (dòng)

Used for buildings with several stories or floors.
For example,

一栋大楼 (yī dòng dàlóu) – a skyscraper
一栋公寓楼 (yī dòng gōngyù lóu) – an apartment building

幢 (zhuàng)

Often used for more individual, standalone structures.
For example,

一幢别墅 (yī zhuàng biéshù) – a villa
一幢办公楼 (yī zhuàng bàngōnglóu) – an office building
一幢小楼 (yī zhuàng xiǎolóu) – a small building

所 (suǒ)

Used for counting institutions, establishments, or places.
For example,

一所学校 (yī suǒ xuéxiào) – a school
一所医院 (yī suǒ yīyuàn) – a hospital
两所图书馆 (liǎng suǒ túshūguǎn) – two libraries

家 (jiā)

Used for counting businesses, companies, or households.
For example,

一家公司 (yī jiā gōngsī) – a company
三家餐馆 (sān jiā cānguǎn) – three restaurants
五家商店 (wǔ jiā shāngdiàn) – five stores
四家电影院(sì jiā diànyǐngyuàn) – four cinemas

条 (tiáo)

Explanation: Generally used for long, narrow, or winding structures.
For example,

一条街 (yī tiáo jiē) – a street
一条马路(yī tiáo mǎlù) – a road
两条小巷 (liǎng tiáo xiǎoxiàng) – two small alleys

间 (jiān)

Generally used for rooms or smaller structures.
For example,

一间教室 (yī jiān jiàoshì) – a classroom
一间厨房 (yī jiān chúfáng) – a kitchen
一间卫生间 (yī jiān wèishēngjiān) – a bathroom

扇 (shàn)

Used for counting doors or windows.
For example,

一扇门 (yī shàn mén) – a door
三扇窗户 (sān shàn chuānghù) – three windows
五扇大门 (wǔ shàn dàmén) – five large doors

面 (miàn)

Used for flat and broad surfaces, like walls or facades.
For example,

一面墙 (yī miàn qiáng) – a wall
三面玻璃 (sān miàn bōlí) – three glass surfaces

堵 (dǔ)

Used for counting walls.
For example,

一堵围墙 (yī dǔ wéiqiáng) – a surrounding wall
两堵墙 (liǎng dǔ qiáng) – two walls
四堵房屋墙 (sì dǔ fángwū qiáng) – four house walls

Learn Measure Words for Buildings with Montessori Flashcards

We’ve also created Measure Words for Buildings Montessori Flashcards that allows learners to engage in hands-on, interactive learning that emphasizes recognition, matching, and recall.

Chinese measure words for buildings provide a nuanced way to quantify and describe various structures. Common measure words include 座 (zuò) for enduring and substantial buildings, 栋 (dòng) for multi-story constructions, 幢 (zhuàng) for standalone structures, 扇 (shàn) for doors or windows, 面 (miàn) for flat surfaces, 堵 (dǔ) for walls, 间 (jiān) for rooms, 所 (suǒ) for institutions, 家 (jiā) for businesses or households, and 条 (tiáo) for long, narrow structures like streets. These measure words add precision and cultural depth to the description of diverse architectural forms in the Chinese language.

If you like this post, share it.