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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting kinds or types with 样 (yàng)

    Listing & Enumeration
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 样 + Noun

    Explanation

    The measure word 样 (yàng) is used to count kinds, types, or varieties of things. It is placed between a number and a noun to indicate how many different sorts there are. For example, 两样东西 means 'two kinds of things.'

    Examples

    • 菜单上有好几样新菜，你想试哪样？

      Càidān shàng yǒu hǎo jǐ yàng xīn cài, nǐ xiǎng shì nǎ yàng?

      There are several new dishes on the menu. Which one would you like to try?

    • 超市里每样东西我都想买。

      Chāoshì lǐ měi yàng dōngxi wǒ dōu xiǎng mǎi.

      I want to buy every single thing in the supermarket.

    • 今天我学了三样新本领。

      Jīntiān wǒ xué le sān yàng xīn běnlǐng.

      Today I learned three new skills.

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    Counting kinds or types with 样 (yàng) | Chinese Grammar