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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting chapters with the classifier 章 (zhāng)

    Numbers & Quantity
    Sequence & Order

    Structure

    Number + 章

    Explanation

    章 (zhāng) is a classifier used to count chapters or sections of a book, document, or figurative stage in life. It is placed after a number, as in 第一章 (Chapter 1). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a new phase or period, as in 新的一章 (a new chapter).

    Examples

    • 这本书一共有十二章。

      zhè běn shū yígòng yǒu shí'èr zhāng.

      This book has twelve chapters in total.

    • 请大家翻到第三章，我们开始上课。

      qǐng dàjiā fān dào dì sān zhāng, wǒmen kāishǐ shàngkè.

      Everyone please turn to chapter three; let's begin class.

    • 毕业后，他的人生翻开了新的一章。

      bìyè hòu, tā de rénshēng fānkāi le xīn de yì zhāng.

      After graduating, his life opened a new chapter.

    Counting chapters with the classifier 章 (zhāng) | Chinese Grammar