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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 身 (shēn) as a classifier for skills or clothing

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 身 + Noun

    Explanation

    The classifier 身 (shēn) is used to quantify skills, abilities, or sets of clothing that a person possesses or wears. When used with skills, it conveys that someone has a full repertoire of a particular ability. When used with clothing, it refers to an entire outfit.

    Examples

    • 他练了一身好功夫,没人敢欺负他。

      tā liàn le yī shēn hǎo gōngfu, méi rén gǎn qīfu tā.

      He has trained himself in excellent martial arts skills, and no one dares to bully him.

    • 她今天穿了一身红色的衣服,特别好看。

      tā jīntiān chuān le yī shēn hóngsè de yīfu, tèbié hǎokàn.

      She wore an outfit all in red today — she looks especially nice.

    • 爷爷有一身种菜的本领,院子里什么都种得好。

      yéye yǒu yī shēn zhòng cài de běnlǐng, yuànzi lǐ shénme dōu zhòng de hǎo.

      Grandpa has a full set of vegetable-growing skills — everything in the yard grows well.

    Using 身 (shēn) as a classifier for skills or clothing | Chinese Grammar