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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 等 (děng) as a classifier for "grade"

    Listing & Enumeration
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 等 + Noun

    Explanation

    等 (děng) can function as a classifier or measure word meaning "grade," "class," or "rank." It is used to categorize things into levels or tiers. For example, 三等马 means "third-grade horse" or "horse of the third rank."

    Examples

    • 这些苹果分为三等，最好的卖得最贵。

      zhèxiē píngguǒ fēnwéi sān děng, zuì hǎo de mài de zuì guì.

      These apples are divided into three grades; the best ones sell for the highest price.

    • 他的马是一等马，跑得最快。

      tā de mǎ shì yī děng mǎ, pǎo de zuì kuài.

      His horse is a first-class horse and runs the fastest.

    • 这批货物按质量分成了上中下三等。

      zhè pī huòwù àn zhìliàng fēnchéngle shàng zhōng xià sān děng.

      This batch of goods was sorted into three grades—upper, middle, and lower—by quality.

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    Using 等 (děng) as a classifier for "grade" | Chinese Grammar