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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the classifier 杯 (bēi) for cups

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 杯 + Noun

    Explanation

    杯 (bēi) is a measure word (classifier) used for drinks served in cups or glasses. It is required when counting beverages in Chinese, appearing between a number or determiner and the noun, as in 一杯茶 (yì bēi chá, "a cup of tea").

    Examples

    • 我每天早上都喝一杯咖啡。

      Wǒ měitiān zǎoshang dōu hē yì bēi kāfēi.

      I drink a cup of coffee every morning.

    • 请给我来两杯热茶。

      Qǐng gěi wǒ lái liǎng bēi rè chá.

      Please bring me two cups of hot tea.

    • 她一口气喝了三杯水。

      Tā yìkǒuqì hē le sān bēi shuǐ.

      She drank three glasses of water in one go.

    Using the classifier 杯 (bēi) for cups | Chinese Grammar