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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing a classifier for "kind" or "type" with 种 (zhǒng)

    Description & Modification
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number/Determiner + 种 + Noun

    Explanation

    The classifier 种 (zhǒng) is used for "kind," "type," or "sort" of something. It appears between a determiner or number and a noun to categorize things by type rather than counting individual items. For example, 这种方式 means "this kind of method."

    Examples

    • 这种水果我从来没见过，叫什么名字？

      zhè zhǒng shuǐguǒ wǒ cónglái méi jiànguò, jiào shénme míngzì?

      I've never seen this kind of fruit before — what's it called?

    • 世界上有很多种语言，每一种都很有趣。

      shìjiè shàng yǒu hěn duō zhǒng yǔyán, měi yì zhǒng dōu hěn yǒuqù.

      There are many kinds of languages in the world, and each one is fascinating.

    • 你喜欢哪种咖啡，美式还是拿铁？

      nǐ xǐhuān nǎ zhǒng kāfēi, měishì háishì ná tiě?

      Which kind of coffee do you like, Americano or latte?

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