measure word indicating a small amount or small number (greater than 1)
HSK 1, q, 8 strokes, radical 二, rank #195, Easy
些
xiē
little, few; rather, somewhat
HSK 1, q, 8 strokes, radical 二, rank #195, Easy
xiē(xie1) T1
1some
2few
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March 24, 2026
些xiē(xie1)
The character 些 (xiē) is used to denote an unspecified small number or quantity of something, often translated as 'some' or 'few' in English. It typically indicates a countable amount that is greater than one, and it can also express a sense of moderation, as in 'somewhat' or 'rather'. This character is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin.
Strokes8Radical二Frequency#195DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'some' (些) reflects the importance of moderation and humility, which are valued traits. Using 些 can soften a statement, making it more polite and less assertive, aligning with the cultural emphasis on harmony in communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small pile of 10 tiny pebbles to represent 'some' or 'few'. The character 些 looks like a small pile with its structure, reminding you that it signifies a quantity greater than 1 but still small. Think of 'xiē' as a friend asking, 'Can I have some of those pebbles?'
Meanings of 些
xiē(xie1)
1some
2few
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 些 means.
About 些
些Simplified
8Strokes
二Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#195Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 些
Podcast: 些
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AI Study Notes for 些
Quick Contrast
一些 (yīxiē) vs 些 (xiē): use 一些 for emphasis on a larger or more definite quantity, while 些 is more vague and unspecified.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 些 (xiē) with the measure word 个 (gè), which is more general. 些 is often used with plural nouns and can sound informal in certain contexts; using it in formal writing may not be appropriate. Common collocations include 些问题 (some questions) and 些人 (some people).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 些 (xiē) connects with other basic vocabulary related to quantities and numbers. Students should focus on using it in simple sentences to describe amounts and practice its pronunciation, as the tone is crucial for clarity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 些 with singular nouns, such as saying 些书 (xiē shū) instead of 这本书 (zhè běn shū) for 'this book'. Additionally, some might confuse it with the character 些 (xiē) and think it can be used in a formal context, but it's more informal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 些
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Etymology of 些
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
些 = 二 + 此. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 些
IDS Structure⿱此二
些Full Character
=
此ci3
top
二er4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 些?
How to say some in Chinese
“some” in Chinese is些xiē
The character 些 (xiē) is used to denote an unspecified small number or quantity of something, often translated as 'some' or 'few' in English. It typically indicates a countable amount that is greater than one, and it can also express a sense of moderation, as in 'somewhat' or 'rather'. This character is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin.
When to use 些
Be careful not to confuse 些 (xiē) with the measure word 个 (gè), which is more general. 些 is often used with plural nouns and can sound informal in certain contexts; using it in formal writing may not be appropriate. Common collocations include 些问题 (some questions) and 些人 (some people).
些 or something close to it
一些 (yīxiē) vs 些 (xiē): use 一些 for emphasis on a larger or more definite quantity, while 些 is more vague and unspecified.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 些 with singular nouns, such as saying 些书 (xiē shū) instead of 这本书 (zhè běn shū) for 'this book'. Additionally, some might confuse it with the character 些 (xiē) and think it can be used in a formal context, but it's more informal.
Write 些
些
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Practice writing 些 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 些
些 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 5 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.
