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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the measure word 次 (cì) to count occurrences

    Frequency & Habit
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 次 + Noun

    Explanation

    次 (cì) is a measure word used to count the number of times an action or event occurs. It appears between a number (or demonstrative) and the noun it modifies, following the standard Chinese pattern of number + measure word + noun. It is one of the most common measure words for events, meetings, and experiences.

    Examples

    • 我去过三次北京。

      wǒ qùguò sān cì běijīng.

      I have been to Beijing three times.

    • 这部电影我看了两次还想再看。

      zhè bù diànyǐng wǒ kànle liǎng cì hái xiǎng zài kàn.

      I've watched this movie twice and still want to watch it again.

    • 他每次来都会带点小礼物。

      tā měi cì lái dōu huì dài diǎn xiǎo lǐwù.

      He brings a small gift every time he comes.

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    Using the measure word 次 (cì) to count occurrences | Chinese Grammar