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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting doors and windows with the classifier 扇 (shàn)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 扇 + Noun (door/window)

    Explanation

    扇 (shàn) is a measure word used to count flat objects that open and close, such as doors and windows. It is placed between a number and the noun it modifies. For example, 一扇大门 means "a large door."

    Examples

    • 他轻轻推开了那扇窗户，让风吹进来。

      tā qīngqīng tuī kāi le nà shàn chuānghù, ràng fēng chuī jìnlái.

      He gently pushed open the window to let the breeze in.

    • 这扇门太旧了，关的时候总是发出响声。

      zhè shàn mén tài jiù le, guān de shíhou zǒngshì fāchū xiǎngshēng.

      This door is too old; it always makes a noise when closing.

    • 走廊尽头有一扇红色的大门。

      zǒuláng jìntóu yǒu yī shàn hóngsè de dàmén.

      At the end of the corridor there is a large red door.

    Often Confused With

    Counting doors and windows with the classifier 扇 (shàn) | Chinese Grammar