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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to pile up' with 堆 (duī)

    Actions & Events
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    一 + 堆 + Noun / 堆 + Object

    Explanation

    堆 (duī) means "to pile up" or "to stack" as a verb, and also functions as a measure word meaning "a pile of." When used as a measure word, it describes a heap or mound of things. For example, 一堆树叶 means "a pile of leaves."

    Examples

    • 别把衣服堆在椅子上,叠好放进衣柜。

      bié bǎ yīfú duī zài yǐzi shàng, dié hǎo fàng jìn yīguì.

      Don't pile your clothes on the chair—fold them and put them in the wardrobe.

    • 桌上堆了一堆文件,都没地方写字了。

      zhuō shàng duī le yī duī wénjiàn, dōu méi dìfāng xiězì le.

      Files are piled all over the desk—there's no room to write.

    • 孩子们在院子里堆了个大雪人。

      háizimen zài yuànzi lǐ duī le gè dà xuěrén.

      The children built a big snowman in the yard.

    Expressing 'to pile up' with 堆 (duī) | Chinese Grammar