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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting generations or reigns with 世 (shì)

    Numbers & Quantity
    Sequence & Order

    Structure

    Number + 世

    Explanation

    世 (shì) is a measure word used to count generations or royal reigns, similar to English ordinals like "the 16th." It appears after a number to indicate which generation or monarch in a sequence is being referred to. It is commonly seen in historical or formal contexts.

    Examples

    • 路易十六世是法国大革命前的最后一位国王。

      Lùyì shíliù shì shì Fǎguó dà gémìng qián de zuìhòu yī wèi guówáng.

      Louis XVI was the last king before the French Revolution.

    • 这个家族已经传了五世了。

      Zhège jiāzú yǐjīng chuán le wǔ shì le.

      This family line has been passed down for five generations.

    • 亨利八世在英国历史上非常有名。

      Hēnglì bā shì zài Yīngguó lìshǐ shàng fēicháng yǒumíng.

      Henry VIII is very famous in British history.

    Often Confused With

    Counting generations or reigns with 世 (shì) | Chinese Grammar