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    Chinese Grammar

    Classifying articles or stories with 则 (zé)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 则 + Noun

    Explanation

    The measure word 则 (zé) is used to count short items of writing such as news stories, fables, jokes, or pieces of advice. It is a formal measure word that pairs with structured, self-contained texts rather than long books or essays. For example, 一则故事 means "a story" and 一则新闻 means "a news item."

    Examples

    • 老师给我们讲了一则寓言故事。

      Lǎoshī gěi wǒmen jiǎng le yī zé yùyán gùshi.

      The teacher told us a fable.

    • 我在网上看到一则有趣的新闻。

      Wǒ zài wǎng shàng kàn dào yī zé yǒuqù de xīnwén.

      I saw an interesting piece of news online.

    • 妈妈每晚给孩子读一则小笑话。

      Māma měi wǎn gěi háizi dú yī zé xiǎo xiàohua.

      Mom reads the child a little joke every night.

    Classifying articles or stories with 则 (zé) | Chinese Grammar