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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting years of age with 岁 (suì)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 岁

    Explanation

    岁 (suì) is a measure word used specifically for counting years of age. It follows a number to express how old someone or something is, and also appears in literary contexts to mean "year" in general.

    Examples

    • 我女儿今年三岁了，刚上幼儿园。

      wǒ nǚ'ér jīnnián sān suì le, gāng shàng yòu'éryuán.

      My daughter is three years old this year and just started kindergarten.

    • 爷爷已经八十岁了，身体还很好。

      yéye yǐjīng bāshí suì le, shēntǐ hái hěn hǎo.

      Grandpa is already eighty years old, but he's still in good health.

    • 你家的猫几岁了？

      nǐ jiā de māo jǐ suì le?

      How old is your cat?

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    Counting years of age with 岁 (suì) | Chinese Grammar