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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting "days" with the measure word 天 (tiān)

    Numbers & Quantity
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Number + 天

    Explanation

    天 (tiān) functions as a measure word for counting days. It is placed after a number to indicate a duration, such as 四天 (four days). It is also used as a noun meaning "sky" or "day" in other contexts.

    Examples

    • 我请了三天假，打算去海边玩一玩。

      Wǒ qǐng le sān tiān jià, dǎsuàn qù hǎibiān wán yi wán.

      I took three days off and plan to go to the beach for fun.

    • 这个项目还需要四天才能完成。

      Zhège xiàngmù hái xūyào sì tiān cái néng wánchéng.

      This project still needs four more days to be completed.

    • 他每天工作十个小时，连着干了五天。

      Tā měitiān gōngzuò shí ge xiǎoshí, liánzhe gàn le wǔ tiān.

      He worked ten hours a day for five days straight.

    Similar Grammar

    Counting "days" with the measure word 天 (tiān) | Chinese Grammar