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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'thousand' with 千 (qiān)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 千 + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    The numeral 千 (qiān) means 'thousand.' It is used in counting and as a component of larger numbers. It also appears in proper nouns and set phrases, such as 千鸟之渊 (Chidorigafuchi). In literary usage, it can imply 'many' or 'numerous,' as in 千言万语 (thousands of words).

    Examples

    • 这座古城有上千年的历史了。

      zhè zuò gǔchéng yǒu shàng qiān nián de lìshǐ le.

      This ancient city has a history of over a thousand years.

    • 千言万语都说不尽我对你的感谢。

      qiān yán wàn yǔ dōu shuō bú jìn wǒ duì nǐ de gǎnxiè.

      A thousand words cannot fully express my gratitude to you.

    • 这条河全长超过三千公里。

      zhè tiáo hé quán cháng chāoguò sān qiān gōnglǐ.

      This river has a total length of over three thousand kilometers.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'thousand' with 千 (qiān) | Chinese Grammar