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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "one" or an unspecified quantity with 一 (yī)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    一 + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    一 (yī) means "one" and is the most basic numeral in Chinese. When placed before a measure word and noun, it specifies a single item or introduces an unspecified member of a category, similar to the English indefinite article "a."

    Examples

    • 桌子上有一杯咖啡。

      zhuōzi shàng yǒu yì bēi kāfēi.

      There is a cup of coffee on the table.

    • 我想买一本小说看看。

      wǒ xiǎng mǎi yì běn xiǎoshuō kànkan.

      I want to buy a novel to read.

    • 她养了一只很可爱的猫。

      tā yǎng le yì zhī hěn kě'ài de māo.

      She has a very cute cat.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing "one" or an unspecified quantity with 一 (yī) | Chinese Grammar