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    Chinese Grammar

    Using a generic noun as a measure word with 号 (hào) and similar forms

    Numbers & Quantity
    Sequence & Order

    Structure

    Number + 号/Generic Measure Noun

    Explanation

    In Chinese, certain nouns such as 号 (hào, "number") can function as measure words or classifiers in specific contexts. These generic noun-measure words help identify or enumerate items like dates, sizes, or assigned numbers. For example, 十八号 means "the 18th" or "number 18."

    Examples

    • 我的座位是十二号，在第三排。

      Wǒ de zuòwèi shì shí'èr hào, zài dì sān pái.

      My seat is number twelve, in the third row.

    • 今天是五月十八号，她的生日。

      Jīntiān shì wǔ yuè shíbā hào, tā de shēngrì.

      Today is May 18th, her birthday.

    • 请给我拿一双四十号的鞋试试。

      Qǐng gěi wǒ ná yī shuāng sìshí hào de xié shìshi.

      Please get me a pair of shoes in size forty to try on.

    Using a generic noun as a measure word with 号 (hào) and similar forms | Chinese Grammar