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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'cat' with 猫 (māo)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 只 + 猫

    Explanation

    The noun 猫 (māo) means 'cat.' It is the standard word for a domestic cat in Chinese. Cats are counted with the classifier 只 (zhī), as in 一只猫 (one cat).

    Examples

    • 我家养了一只猫，特别可爱。

      Wǒ jiā yǎng le yì zhī māo, tèbié kě'ài.

      My family has a cat, and it's really cute.

    • 那只猫总是趴在沙发上睡觉。

      Nà zhī māo zǒng shì pā zài shāfā shàng shuìjiào.

      That cat always lies on the sofa sleeping.

    • 邻居家的猫跑到我们院子里来了。

      Línjū jiā de māo pǎo dào wǒmen yuànzi lǐ lái le.

      The neighbor's cat ran into our yard.

    Referring to 'cat' with 猫 (māo) | Chinese Grammar