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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting mouthfuls or breaths with the classifier 口 (kǒu)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 口 + Noun

    Explanation

    口 (kǒu) is a measure word used to count mouthfuls, bites, or breaths. For example, 一口气 means "one breath" and by extension "in one go." It is also used to count family members and certain objects like wells or pots.

    Examples

    • 他喝了一口水，继续往前走。

      tā hē le yī kǒu shuǐ, jìxù wǎng qián zǒu.

      He took a sip of water and continued walking forward.

    • 她深吸了一口气，然后鼓起勇气敲门。

      tā shēn xī le yī kǒu qì, ránhòu gǔqǐ yǒngqì qiāomén.

      She took a deep breath, then mustered the courage to knock on the door.

    • 我尝了一口，味道还真不错。

      wǒ cháng le yī kǒu, wèidào hái zhēn búcuò.

      I took a bite, and it actually tasted quite good.

    Often Confused With