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March 24, 2026
个子(個子)gèzi(ge4zi5)
个子 (gè zi) refers to a person's height or stature. It can also describe the build or size of objects, making it a versatile term in both physical and abstract contexts, such as discussing someone's physical appearance or the size of furniture.
Strokes6Frequency#7283DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, height can be associated with health and attractiveness, particularly in the context of dating and social perceptions. Many discussions about physical characteristics often include 个子.
Memory Tip
Think of '个' (gè) as a person standing alone, representing 'individual' and '子' (zi) as a small child. Imagine a small child measuring their height against a door frame, helping you remember that this word relates to height and size.
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AI Study Notes for 个子
Quick Contrast
高 (tall) — use 个子 when referring to height in a general sense, while 高 specifically emphasizes the quality of being tall.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; it’s pronounced with a fourth tone (个) and a neutral tone (子). Common mistakes include confusing it with '高度' (gāodù), which specifically means 'height' in a more technical sense. Use '个子' in informal contexts, while '身高' (shēngāo) is more formal.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 个子 connects well with other terms about physical descriptions, such as '胖' (pàng - fat) and '瘦' (shòu - thin). Students should focus on combining it with adjectives to describe various builds.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 个子 with '身高' (shēngāo), which is more formal and specific to height. For example, saying '我的身高是175个子' is incorrect; it should be '我的身高是175厘米' (wǒ de shēngāo shì 175 límǐ).
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Pronunciation of 个子
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个子 (gè zi) refers to a person's height or stature. It can also describe the build or size of objects, making it a versatile term in both physical and abstract contexts, such as discussing someone's physical appearance or the size of furniture.
When to use 个子
Be cautious with the tone; it’s pronounced with a fourth tone (个) and a neutral tone (子). Common mistakes include confusing it with '高度' (gāodù), which specifically means 'height' in a more technical sense. Use '个子' in informal contexts, while '身高' (shēngāo) is more formal.
个子 or something close to it
高 (tall) — use 个子 when referring to height in a general sense, while 高 specifically emphasizes the quality of being tall.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 个子 with '身高' (shēngāo), which is more formal and specific to height. For example, saying '我的身高是175个子' is incorrect; it should be '我的身高是175厘米' (wǒ de shēngāo shì 175 límǐ).
Write 个子
个
子
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Grammar Patterns of 个子
个子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.
