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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the classifier 支 (zhī) for long, thin objects

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 支 + Noun (long/thin object)

    Explanation

    支 (zhī) is a measure word used for long, thin objects such as pens, pencils, arrows, spears, and rifles. In Chinese, the correct classifier must be placed between a number and the noun it quantifies.

    Examples

    • 请给我两支铅笔。

      Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng zhī qiānbǐ.

      Please give me two pencils.

    • 桌上放着一支红色的钢笔。

      Zhuō shàng fàng zhe yī zhī hóngsè de gāngbǐ.

      There is a red fountain pen on the table.

    • 他买了三支毛笔练书法。

      Tā mǎi le sān zhī máobǐ liàn shūfǎ.

      He bought three calligraphy brushes to practice calligraphy.

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