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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing some quantity with 些 (xiē)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Verb + 了 + 些 + Noun

    Explanation

    The word 些 (xiē) means "some" and is used as a measure word to indicate an indefinite, small quantity of something. It appears between a verb or demonstrative and a noun, as in 买了些鱼 (bought some fish).

    Examples

    • 冰箱里还有些牛奶。

      Bīngxiāng lǐ hái yǒu xiē niúnǎi.

      There is still some milk in the fridge.

    • 我买了些水果带回家。

      Wǒ mǎi le xiē shuǐguǒ dài huí jiā.

      I bought some fruit to bring home.

    • 桌子上放着些旧照片。

      Zhuōzi shàng fàngzhe xiē jiù zhàopiàn.

      There are some old photos on the table.

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    Expressing some quantity with 些 (xiē) | Chinese Grammar