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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'eight' with 八 (bā)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    八 + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    The number 八 (bā) means 'eight' and is considered an auspicious number in Chinese culture because it sounds similar to 发 (fā), meaning 'to prosper.' It is used in counting, ages, addresses, and various set expressions. In context, it often appears with measure words like 位 or 个.

    Examples

    • 我们一共八个人,刚好坐一桌。

      wǒmen yígòng bā gè rén, gānghǎo zuò yì zhuō.

      There are eight of us in total, just enough to fill one table.

    • 他家住在八楼,每天都坐电梯。

      tā jiā zhù zài bā lóu, měitiān dōu zuò diàntī.

      His home is on the eighth floor, and he takes the elevator every day.

    • 这个手机号里有三个八,特别好记。

      zhège shǒujī hào lǐ yǒu sān gè bā, tèbié hǎo jì.

      This phone number has three eights in it, making it especially easy to remember.

    Expressing 'eight' with 八 (bā) | Chinese Grammar