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个 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
个
gè
individual
HSK 1, q, 3 strokes, radical 丨, rank #29, Easy
个
gè
this
HSK 1, q, 3 strokes, radical 丨, rank #29, Easy
个
gè
that
HSK 1, q, 3 strokes, radical 丨, rank #29, Easy
个
gè
size
HSK 1, q, 3 strokes, radical 丨, rank #29, Easy
个
gè
classifier for people or objects in general
HSK 1, q, 3 strokes, radical 丨, rank #29, Easy
个
gè
this, that; single; measure word for individuals
HSK 1, q, 3 strokes, radical 丨, rank #29, Easy
gè(ge4)ge T4
1individual
2this
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March 24, 2026
个(個)gè(ge4)
The character 个 (gè) serves as a general measure word or classifier in Mandarin, often used to count people or objects. It can also convey the idea of individuality or singularity, translating to 'this' or 'that' in certain contexts. It is one of the most commonly used measure words in Chinese.
Strokes3Radical丨Frequency#29DifficultyEasy
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, counting individuals is essential in daily interactions, from ordering food to introducing people. The use of 个 reflects the importance of recognizing individual presence within social contexts.
Memory tip
To remember 个 (gè), think of it as representing a person standing alone, with the character resembling a figure with arms outstretched. Imagine this individual saying, 'I am one,' to emphasize the concept of being single or unique.
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AI study notes for 个
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 个 with other measure words like 位 (wèi) for formal situations. It is typically used in informal contexts and is always placed before the noun it modifies. Be mindful of the tone; using a different tone can change the meaning of the word entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 个 is foundational for learners, connecting with other basic vocabulary for counting and measuring. Students should focus on mastering its use in simple sentences and combining it with nouns.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 个 with all nouns, even when a specific classifier is required, such as saying '三个书' instead of '三本书' for 'three books.' Always check if the noun requires a specific measure word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 个
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Knowing 个 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 个 (gè) serves as a general measure word or classifier in Mandarin, often used to count people or objects. It can also convey the idea of individuality or singularity, translating to 'this' or 'that' in certain contexts. It is one of the most commonly used measure words in Chinese.
When to use 个
Common mistakes include confusing 个 with other measure words like 位 (wèi) for formal situations. It is typically used in informal contexts and is always placed before the noun it modifies. Be mindful of the tone; using a different tone can change the meaning of the word entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 个 with all nouns, even when a specific classifier is required, such as saying '三个书' instead of '三本书' for 'three books.' Always check if the noun requires a specific measure word.
Write 个
个
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Practice writing 个 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 个
个 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 个
💡Did you know?
'个' is one of the most common classifiers in Chinese. It is versatile and can be used for a variety of nouns, making it essential for learners.
Word Family of 个
Words containing this character20
个gèthis個
这个zhègethis這個
那个nàgethat one那個
个人gèrénindividual個人
整个zhěnggèwhole整個
一个人yīgèrénalone (without company)一個人
几个jǐgea few幾個
哪个nǎgewhich哪個
各个gègèevery各個
个性gèxìngindividuality個性
每个人měigeréneverybody每個人
半个bàngehalf of sth半個
个别gèbiéindividual個別
个体gètǐindividual個體
个股gègǔshare (in a listed company)個股
多个duōgemany多個
一个个yígègèeach and every one一個個
下一个xiàyígethe next one下一個
个个gègèeach and every個個
个性化gèxìnghuàto personalize個性化
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 个
What does 这个 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 个
个 (gè) is a general classifier used for people and objects, while 只 (zhī) is specifically used for animals or certain single items. For example, you would say '一个人' (yī gè rén) for 'one person' but '一只狗' (yī zhī gǒu) for 'one dog'. Understanding these distinctions is key for proper usage in conversations.
个 (gè) is a commonly used measure word in Chinese that denotes individual items or people. It can also imply 'this' or 'that' in certain contexts. It is one of the most frequently used classifiers, especially for objects and individuals.
To use 个 (gè) correctly, place it after the number when counting items or people. For example, '三个苹果' (sān gè píngguǒ) means 'three apples'. It can also be used to refer to individual people or things, making it very versatile in everyday conversation.
个 is a versatile measure word used for people and many objects, making it a go-to choice when unsure which classifier to use.
While 个 is widely applicable, some nouns have specific measure words that are more appropriate, like 本 (běn) for books.
个 is generally informal; for formal settings, consider using 位 (wèi) when referring to people.
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