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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the classifier 度 (dù) for occasions

    Frequency & Habit
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + 度

    Explanation

    度 (dù) functions as a measure word meaning "time" or "occasion" and is used to count the number of times something occurs. It is more formal than 次 and often appears with 一 in the pattern 一度, meaning "once." For example, 每年一度 means "once a year" or "annual."

    Examples

    • 这个展览每年一度，已经办了十年了。

      zhège zhǎnlǎn měi nián yī dù, yǐjīng bàn le shí nián le.

      This exhibition is held once a year and has been running for ten years.

    • 她曾一度想放弃，但最终还是坚持下来了。

      tā céng yīdù xiǎng fàngqì, dàn zuìzhōng háishi jiānchí xiàlái le.

      She once thought about giving up, but in the end she persevered.

    • 这座城市一年一度的马拉松下周开始。

      zhè zuò chéngshì yī nián yī dù de mǎlāsōng xià zhōu kāishǐ.

      This city's annual marathon starts next week.

    Often Confused With

    Using the classifier 度 (dù) for occasions | Chinese Grammar