Meanings of 個
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About 個
Podcast: 個
Podcast: 個
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AI Study Notes for 個
While 個 (gè) is the most frequently used measure word for people and objects, learners sometimes mistakenly use it with uncountable nouns or in contexts where other measure words are more appropriate. It is informal and widely accepted in everyday conversation.
Although 個 (gè) is not assigned a specific HSK level, it is essential for beginners and connects well with other basic vocabulary, especially when learning about people and objects. Focus on its use in counting and with nouns.
Learners often confuse 個 (gè) with other measure words, using it incorrectly with uncountable nouns like 'water' or 'rice.' For example, saying '三個水' (sān gè shuǐ) is incorrect; instead, say '三杯水' (sān bēi shuǐ) for 'three cups of water.'
Pronunciation of 個
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Etymology of 個
Pictograph of one stalk of bamboo. Same as one half of the character for bamboo (竹).
person
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 個
Pictograph of one stalk of bamboo. Same as one half of the character for bamboo (竹).
- 1The meaning half亻 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half固 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayperson
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 個? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 個
Identify the Components
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How to say this, that; single; measure word for individuals in Chinese
“this, that; single; measure word for individuals” in Chinese is個
The character 個 (gè) is a commonly used measure word in Mandarin, primarily indicating individual items or people. It can also be used to refer to a single unit of something, emphasizing the concept of individuality or separation.
When to use 個
While 個 (gè) is the most frequently used measure word for people and objects, learners sometimes mistakenly use it with uncountable nouns or in contexts where other measure words are more appropriate. It is informal and widely accepted in everyday conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 個 (gè) with other measure words, using it incorrectly with uncountable nouns like 'water' or 'rice.' For example, saying '三個水' (sān gè shuǐ) is incorrect; instead, say '三杯水' (sān bēi shuǐ) for 'three cups of water.'
Write 個
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Practice writing 個 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 個
Compound Meaning
What does 个 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 個
No, while 個 (gè) is versatile, it is not suitable for all nouns. For example, use 本 (běn) for books or 张 (zhāng) for flat objects.
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