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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the numeral 1 (一, yī) in Chinese

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    1 / 一 + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    The numeral 1 can appear in Chinese text as either the Arabic digit "1" or the Chinese character 一 (yī). In formal and financial writing, Arabic numerals are often used for large amounts, statistics, and precise figures. The choice between the two forms depends on context — Arabic numerals are standard in news, data, and monetary amounts, while 一 is preferred in idiomatic expressions and literary writing.

    Examples

    • 这个项目的总投资超过1亿美元。

      Zhège xiàngmù de zǒng tóuzī chāoguò yī yì Měiyuán.

      The total investment in this project exceeds 100 million US dollars.

    • 一年有三百六十五天。

      Yī nián yǒu sānbǎi liùshíwǔ tiān.

      There are three hundred and sixty-five days in a year.

    • 公司去年的营收达到了1.5亿元。

      Gōngsī qùnián de yínshōu dádào le yī diǎn wǔ yì yuán.

      The company's revenue reached 150 million yuan last year.

    Using the numeral 1 (一, yī) in Chinese | Chinese Grammar