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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting shots with the classifier 枪 (qiāng)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 枪

    Explanation

    枪 (qiāng) can function as a classifier to count the number of shots fired from a gun. When used this way, a number precedes 枪 to indicate how many shots were fired, as in 一枪 (one shot). It is commonly seen in news reports and narratives involving firearms.

    Examples

    • 警察一共开了三枪才制止了嫌疑人。

      Jǐngchá yīgòng kāile sān qiāng cái zhìzhǐle xiányírén.

      The police fired a total of three shots before stopping the suspect.

    • 猎人只用了一枪就击中了目标。

      Lièrén zhǐ yòngle yī qiāng jiù jīzhòngle mùbiāo.

      The hunter hit the target with just one shot.

    • 据报道，现场一共响了五枪。

      Jù bàodào, xiànchǎng yīgòng xiǎngle wǔ qiāng.

      According to reports, a total of five shots were fired at the scene.

    Counting shots with the classifier 枪 (qiāng) | Chinese Grammar