Approximate Numbers 3: Number + 来 + Measure Word
概数表示法3：数词+来+量词
Express approximate quantities using the pattern number + 来 + measure word
Insert 来 between a round number and its measure word to express "about" or "approximately." The number must typically be a round number (十, 二十, 一百, etc.) — you cannot use this with arbitrary digits like 七 or 三.
This pattern is used with round numbers (multiples of 10, 100, 1000, etc.). For single-digit approximations, Chinese uses other strategies like 几 or 左右. The word 来 here is not the verb "come" — it functions purely as an approximation marker.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Approximate Numbers 3: Number + 来 + Measure Word (概数表示法3：数词+来+量词)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 概数表示法3：数词+来+量词 pattern
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Understanding 概数表示法3：数词+来+量词
In previous lessons you learned to approximate with 左右 and 多. Now you add a third tool: 来. This pattern is specifically designed for round numbers — tens, hundreds, thousands. When you say 十来个人, you mean "about ten people," probably somewhere between eight and twelve. It sounds casual and natural, the way a native speaker would estimate a crowd or a quantity. Unlike 左右 which goes after the full phrase, 来 slots neatly between the number and the measure word. And unlike 多 which can work with non-round numbers, 来 insists on round numbers. Think of 来 as saying "give or take a few" — it adds a comfortable fuzziness to your numbers.
Key Points
- 来 is placed directly between the round number and the measure word: 十来本, 二十来个.
- Only works with round numbers: 十, 二十, 三十, 一百, etc.
- Cannot be used with single digits: 三来个 is wrong — use 三个左右 instead.
- The meaning is "approximately" — usually within 10-20% of the stated number.
- Very common in spoken Chinese; slightly less formal than 大约 or 左右.
- 来 in this pattern has nothing to do with the verb 来 (to come).
Chinese speakers frequently avoid overly precise numbers in casual conversation — it can sound stiff or boastful. Using 来 to soften a number shows social awareness and humility, a valued trait in Chinese communication.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
教室里有十来个学生。
There are about ten students in the classroom.
我买了二十来本书。
I bought about twenty books.
这条鱼有五十来斤。
This fish weighs about fifty jin.
停车场停了一百来辆车。
About a hundred cars are parked in the parking lot.
他在这个城市住了十来年了。
He has lived in this city for about ten years.
我们班有三十来个人。
Our class has about thirty people.
她等了二十来分钟。
She waited for about twenty minutes.
Common Mistakes
来 can only be used with round numbers (10, 20, 100, etc.). For single-digit approximations, use 左右 or 几.
来 must go between the number and the measure word, not after the measure word.
来 is only used with round numbers. 十五 is not a round number; use 左右 instead, or round down to 十来个.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Remember the rule: 来 only works with round numbers (10, 20, 30, 100, 1000…).
Word order matters: number → 来 → measure word → noun. Never put 来 after the measure word.
Compare your three approximation tools: 多 (after MW for "more than"), 左右 (after the phrase for "around"), 来 (between number and MW for "about").
Practice by estimating things around you: 教室里有二十来张桌子, 书架上有五十来本书.
Homework
Describe five things you see around you using the number + 来 + measure word pattern. Make sure each sentence uses a different round number (十, 二十, 三十, etc.) and a different measure word.