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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the classifier 棵 (kē) for trees and plants

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 棵 + Tree/Plant Noun

    Explanation

    棵 (kē) is a measure word (classifier) used for trees, plants, and other vegetation. In Chinese, you must use the correct classifier between a number and a noun. For trees, you say 一棵树 (one tree), not 一个树.

    Examples

    • 院子里种了三棵苹果树。

      Yuànzi lǐ zhòng le sān kē píngguǒ shù.

      Three apple trees were planted in the yard.

    • 路边有一棵很高的松树。

      Lù biān yǒu yī kē hěn gāo de sōngshù.

      There is a very tall pine tree by the roadside.

    Using the classifier 棵 (kē) for trees and plants | Chinese Grammar