Chinese classifiers (量词): beginner guide
What classifiers are, the most common ones (个, 本, 张), and how to use them with numbers.
Overview
In Chinese you cannot say «three books» without a classifier between number and noun. Mastering the basics avoids errors from HSK 1 onward.
Essential classifiers
个 (gè): general. 本 (běn): books. 张 (zhāng): paper, tables, tickets. 杯 (bēi): cups and glasses.
三个人 (sān gè rén), 两本书 (liǎng běn shū) — number + classifier + noun.
Common mistakes
Dropping the classifier sounds wrong even if people understand. 三个书 ❌ → 三本书 ✅.
Learn classifiers with the noun, not in isolated lists.
Put it into practice
Memorize frequent classifiers with HSK vocabulary and in-context examples.