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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'dog' with 狗 (gǒu)

    Existence & Possession
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + Classifier (只) + 狗

    Explanation

    The noun 狗 (gǒu) is the standard Chinese word for 'dog.' It can be used on its own or combined with modifiers such as 小 (small) to form compound nouns like 小狗 (puppy). When counting dogs, a classifier such as 只 is typically used before 狗.

    Examples

    • 我家的狗特别喜欢在公园里跑。

      Wǒ jiā de gǒu tèbié xǐhuān zài gōngyuán lǐ pǎo.

      My dog especially loves running in the park.

    • 她养了两只狗，一只是金毛，一只是柯基。

      Tā yǎng le liǎng zhī gǒu, yī zhī shì jīnmáo, yī zhī shì kējī.

      She has two dogs — one is a Golden Retriever and the other is a Corgi.

    • 那只狗一看到我就摇尾巴。

      Nà zhī gǒu yī kàn dào wǒ jiù yáo wěiba.

      That dog wags its tail as soon as it sees me.

    Referring to 'dog' with 狗 (gǒu) | Chinese Grammar