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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting kinds or types with 种 (zhǒng)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 种 + Noun

    Explanation

    种 (zhǒng) is a measure word meaning "kind," "type," or "sort." It is used to classify categories of things, as in 一种能量 (a kind of energy). It is one of the most common classifiers in Chinese for abstract or uncountable concepts.

    Examples

    • 这家店有好几种口味的冰淇淋。

      Zhè jiā diàn yǒu hǎo jǐ zhǒng kǒuwèi de bīngqílín.

      This shop has several flavors of ice cream.

    • 我想学一种新的语言。

      Wǒ xiǎng xué yī zhǒng xīn de yǔyán.

      I want to learn a new language.

    • 世界上有很多种不同的文化。

      Shìjiè shàng yǒu hěn duō zhǒng bùtóng de wénhuà.

      There are many different cultures in the world.

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    Counting kinds or types with 种 (zhǒng) | Chinese Grammar