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    Chinese Grammar

    Classifying handheld objects with 手 (shǒu)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Numeral + 手 + Noun

    Explanation

    The classifier 手 (shǒu) means "hand" and is used as a measure word to classify items that are held in the hand. It appears in phrases like 一手枪 (a handful / a hand of guns), emphasizing what someone is holding.

    Examples

    • 他一手拿着手机，一手拿着咖啡。

      tā yī shǒu ná zhe shǒujī, yī shǒu ná zhe kāfēi.

      He held a phone in one hand and a coffee in the other.

    • 她手里拿着一手好牌，笑了起来。

      tā shǒu lǐ ná zhe yī shǒu hǎo pái, xiào le qǐlái.

      She had a great hand of cards and started to smile.

    • 他一手提着行李箱走出了车站。

      tā yī shǒu tí zhe xíngli xiāng zǒu chū le chēzhàn.

      He walked out of the station carrying a suitcase in one hand.

    Often Confused With

    Classifying handheld objects with 手 (shǒu) | Chinese Grammar