Classifiers (Measure Words)
Measure words between numbers and nouns
I can use basic classifiers.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
我要一個蘋果。
I want one apple.
佢養咗三隻狗。
He/She keeps three dogs.
呢張枱好大。
This table is very big.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Classifiers 量詞
In Cantonese, you CANNOT say "three books" directly. You need a classifier between the number and noun:
Number + Classifier + Noun → 三本書 (three CL books)
Common A1 Classifiers
| Classifier | Jyutping | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 個 | go3 | General (people, most things) | 一個人 (one person) |
| 本 | bun2 | Books, bound items | 兩本書 (two books) |
| 杯 | bui1 | Cups/glasses | 一杯水 (a glass of water) |
| 隻 | zek3 | Animals, one of a pair | 三隻貓 (three cats) |
| 部 | bou6 | Machines, vehicles | 一部車 (a car) |
| 件 | gin6 | Clothing, matters | 一件衫 (a shirt) |
| 條 | tiu4 | Long thin things, roads | 一條路 (a road) |
| 張 | zoeng1 | Flat things, tables | 一張枱 (a table) |
Tip: When in doubt, use 個 go3 — it works as a general classifier for most things.
Omitting classifier entirely.
我要一個蘋果。
I want one apple.
一個蘋果 — number(一) + classifier(個) + noun(蘋果). 個 is the default classifier.
佢養咗三隻狗。
He/She keeps three dogs.
三隻狗 — 隻 zek3 for animals. Not 個!
呢張枱好大。
This table is very big.
呢張枱 — demonstrative + classifier 張 (for flat things) + noun. Even with 'this/that', classifier required.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Put it into practice
Try a free exercise from the courseFrequently asked questions
- When is 量詞 used?
- In Cantonese, you CANNOT say "three books" directly. You need a classifier between the number and noun:
- How is 量詞 formed?
- Tip: When in doubt, use 個 go3 — it works as a general classifier for most things.
- What are common mistakes with 量詞?
- EN/DE/CS/RU speakers: Omitting classifier entirely (*三書 instead of 三本書). JP speakers: Familiar with counters — Cantonese classifiers are similar. Mandarin speakers: Most classifiers identical — 個/隻/本/杯/條/件.