Difference between revisions of "Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/Numbers"

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So let's get started!
So let's get started!


Upon mastering this content, you might be interested in pursuing these relevant subjects: [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/%E7%88%B1-%C3%A0i|爱 ài]], [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/Introducing-Each-Other-%28Business-vocabulary%29|Introducing Each Other (Business ...]], [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/够(夠)-gòu-enough|够(夠) gòu enough]] & [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/Polyphonic-characters|Polyphonic characters]].
== Count with your hands from 1 to 10 in Chinese ==
== Count with your hands from 1 to 10 in Chinese ==
To start this lesson, let's learn how to count using hands.  
To start this lesson, let's learn how to count using hands.  
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Pay attention to the pronunciation of tones. Its very important.
Pay attention to the pronunciation of tones. Its very important.


<span class="notranslate"><youtube>WoKI-FUQRGw</youtube></span>
<span class="notranslate"><youtube>WoKI-FUQRGw</youtube></span>


== Write numbers from 0 to 10 in Chinese==
== Write numbers from 0 to 10 in Chinese==


It is quite easy to count from 0 to 10 in Chinese, apart from the writing of zero: <span class="notranslate">零 líng</span>.  
It is quite easy to count from 0 to 10 in Chinese, apart from the writing of zero: <span class="notranslate">零 líng</span>.  
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After 10, the result is quite logical:
After 10, the result is quite logical:


*<span class="notranslate">11 十一</span>
*<span class="notranslate">11 十一</span>
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*<span class="notranslate">19 十九</span>
*<span class="notranslate">19 十九</span>


Then:  
Then:  
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*<span class="notranslate">22 二十二</span>
*<span class="notranslate">22 二十二</span>


etc.
etc.


It is very easy and there is nothing special except that we should not add a "one" from 10 to 19: Do not write: "<span class="notranslate">一 十, 一 十一</span>", etc.
It is very easy and there is nothing special except that we should not add a "one" from 10 to 19: Do not write: "<span class="notranslate">一 十, 一 十一</span>", etc.
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<!--SPLIT-->
<!--SPLIT-->
== Write big numbers in Chinese==
== Write big numbers in Chinese==


Here's how to write big numbers:
Here's how to write big numbers:
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The date is built from the most general to the most precise:
The date is built from the most general to the most precise:


<code>Year + month + day of the month + day of the week</code>
<code>Year + month + day of the month + day of the week</code>


The year is constructed by listing the numbers in front of the word "year" <span class="notranslate">年 nián</span>:
The year is constructed by listing the numbers in front of the word "year" <span class="notranslate">年 nián</span>:


Thus, 2012 is written <span class="notranslate">二零一二年 èr líng yí èr nián</span>.  
Thus, 2012 is written <span class="notranslate">二零一二年 èr líng yí èr nián</span>.  


So we say "year two, zero, one, two." We must not say two thousand, etc.
So we say "year two, zero, one, two." We must not say two thousand, etc.


The months are constructed by putting the number or the number (10, 11, 12) before the word "month" <span class="notranslate">月 yuè</span>:
The months are constructed by putting the number or the number (10, 11, 12) before the word "month" <span class="notranslate">月 yuè</span>:
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...
...


* October: <span class="notranslate">十月 shí yuè</span>
* October: <span class="notranslate">十月 shí yuè</span>
* November: <span class="notranslate">十一月 shí yí yuè</span>
* November: <span class="notranslate">十一月 shí yí yuè</span>
* December: <span class="notranslate">十二月 shí èr yuè</span>
* December: <span class="notranslate">十二月 shí èr yuè</span>


Only the year is built by listing the numbers.
Only the year is built by listing the numbers.
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*The thirtieth <span class="notranslate">三十 日 sān shí rì</span>,  
*The thirtieth <span class="notranslate">三十 日 sān shí rì</span>,  
*The thirty-first <span class="notranslate">三十 一日 sān shí yí rì</span>, etc.
*The thirty-first <span class="notranslate">三十 一日 sān shí yí rì</span>, etc.


December 21, 2012 is written: <span class="notranslate">二零 一 二年 十二月 二十 一日 (2012 Nián 12 yuè 21 rì)</span>.
December 21, 2012 is written: <span class="notranslate">二零 一 二年 十二月 二十 一日 (2012 Nián 12 yuè 21 rì)</span>.


In Chinese, the word week is called 星期 xīngqī (literally "period of stars"). The day of the week is built by adding the number '''after''' the word week 星期:
In Chinese, the word week is called 星期 xīngqī (literally "period of stars"). The day of the week is built by adding the number '''after''' the word week 星期:
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* Friday <span class="notranslate">星期五 xīngqī wǔ</span>
* Friday <span class="notranslate">星期五 xīngqī wǔ</span>
* Saturday <span class="notranslate">星期六 xīngqī liù</span>
* Saturday <span class="notranslate">星期六 xīngqī liù</span>


The word "Sunday" is special and is either <span class="notranslate">星期天 xīngqī tiān</span> (day of the sky) or <span class="notranslate">星期日 xīngqī rì</span> (day of the sun).
The word "Sunday" is special and is either <span class="notranslate">星期天 xīngqī tiān</span> (day of the sky) or <span class="notranslate">星期日 xīngqī rì</span> (day of the sun).


===Ask for a date in Chinese===
===Ask for a date in Chinese===
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* <span class="notranslate">今天 几 月 几 日? Jīntiān jǐ yuè jǐ rì?</span> (for the short form)
* <span class="notranslate">今天 几 月 几 日? Jīntiān jǐ yuè jǐ rì?</span> (for the short form)
* <span class="notranslate">今天 几年 几 月 几 日 星期 星期 几? Jīntiān jǐ nián jǐ yuè jǐ rì xīngqī jǐ?</span> (for the long form)
* <span class="notranslate">今天 几年 几 月 几 日 星期 星期 几? Jīntiān jǐ nián jǐ yuè jǐ rì xīngqī jǐ?</span> (for the long form)


To ask for the anniversary date we will say:
To ask for the anniversary date we will say:
* <span class="notranslate">你的生日是几月几日? Nǐ de shēngrì shì jǐ yuè jǐ rì ?</span>
* <span class="notranslate">你的生日是几月几日? Nǐ de shēngrì shì jǐ yuè jǐ rì ?</span>


And the answer:
And the answer:
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In Chinese, the word <span class="notranslate"><code>多</code> duō</span>  can also be translated as "how many?" when he is in front of a verb.
In Chinese, the word <span class="notranslate"><code>多</code> duō</span>  can also be translated as "how many?" when he is in front of a verb.


This use of the verb 多 makes it possible to make questions that are difficult to translate into another language, but which do exist in Chinese:
This use of the verb 多 makes it possible to make questions that are difficult to translate into another language, but which do exist in Chinese:
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* <span class="notranslate">他 多 好?</span>   
* <span class="notranslate">他 多 好?</span>   
<blockquote>How much is he nice?</blockquote>
<blockquote>How much is he nice?</blockquote>


The answer to the question is built without verb using the word <span class="notranslate"><code>岁</code> (suì)</span>:
The answer to the question is built without verb using the word <span class="notranslate"><code>岁</code> (suì)</span>:


<code>Subject + number + <span class="notranslate">岁 (suì)</span>.</code>
<code>Subject + number + <span class="notranslate">岁 (suì)</span>.</code>


Example:  
Example:  
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* <span class="notranslate">你 几岁? Nǐ jǐ suì?</span>
* <span class="notranslate">你 几岁? Nǐ jǐ suì?</span>
<blockquote>How old are you?</blockquote>
<blockquote>How old are you?</blockquote>


Actually, <span class="notranslate"><code>几岁</code></span> is used when the response is estimated to be less than 10 years old (approximately).  
Actually, <span class="notranslate"><code>几岁</code></span> is used when the response is estimated to be less than 10 years old (approximately).  
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When pronuncing a phone number or a year, it must be done digit by digit.
When pronuncing a phone number or a year, it must be done digit by digit.


When pronuncing phone numbers for instance, the Chinese often replace "<span class="notranslate">一</span>" by "<span class="notranslate">幺 <yāo></span>". Because in these cases, the sound changes of 一 are not applied, its pronunciation is similar to <span class="notranslate">七</span>'s.
When pronuncing phone numbers for instance, the Chinese often replace "<span class="notranslate">一</span>" by "<span class="notranslate">幺 <yāo></span>". Because in these cases, the sound changes of 一 are not applied, its pronunciation is similar to <span class="notranslate">七</span>'s.


The year "<span class="notranslate">2014</span>" is "<span class="notranslate">二〇一四(年) ‹ èr líng yī sì (nián) ›" and not "<span class="notranslate">二千〇一十四</span>".
The year "<span class="notranslate">2014</span>" is "<span class="notranslate">二〇一四(年) ‹ èr líng yī sì (nián) ›" and not "<span class="notranslate">二千〇一十四</span>".
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https://chine.in/mandarin/methode/index.php?lecon=6
https://chine.in/mandarin/methode/index.php?lecon=6


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
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}}
}}


==Related Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/而-ér-also,-and,-yet,-but|而 ér also, and, yet, but]]
* [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/而-ér-also,-and,-yet,-but|而 ér also, and, yet, but]]
* [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/教-jiào-teach;-teaching;-religion-jiāo-teach|教 jiào teach; teaching; religion jiāo teach]]
* [[Language/Mandarin-chinese/Vocabulary/教-jiào-teach;-teaching;-religion-jiāo-teach|教 jiào teach; teaching; religion jiāo teach]]
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[[Category:0-to-A1-Course]]
[[Category:0-to-A1-Course]]
[[Category:Mandarin-chinese-0-to-A1-Course]]
[[Category:Mandarin-chinese-0-to-A1-Course]]
<span links></span>

Revision as of 22:17, 26 March 2023

Numbers-chinese.jpg
Learn how to count in Chinese

Hey there, Chinese learners!

Are you ready to add Chinese numbers to your language toolbox? In this lesson, we'll be covering everything you need to know about counting in Chinese. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate level learner, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions on how to count with your hands, pronounce numbers, write numbers, and even write the date in Chinese. You'll also learn how to ask someone's age and how to pronounce years and phone numbers in Chinese. By the end of this lesson, you'll be well on your way to becoming a fluent Chinese speaker!

So let's get started!

Upon mastering this content, you might be interested in pursuing these relevant subjects: 爱 ài, Introducing Each Other (Business ..., 够(夠) gòu enough & Polyphonic characters.

Count with your hands from 1 to 10 in Chinese

To start this lesson, let's learn how to count using hands.

Look at the picture below:

Count-in-chinese-polyglot-wiki.jpg

Pronounce numbers from 0 to 10 in Chinese

Watch this video to learn how to pronounce numbers from 0 to 10.

Pay attention to the pronunciation of tones. Its very important.

Write numbers from 0 to 10 in Chinese

It is quite easy to count from 0 to 10 in Chinese, apart from the writing of zero: 零 líng.

Zero can also be written which is simpler but less traditional.

In Chinese, we often use Arabic numerals. However, you also have to know the Chinese characters that are commonly used.

Numbers Chinese Pinyin
0 零 / 〇 líng
1 一 / 幺 yī , yí , yì / yāo
2 二 / 两 èr / liǎng
3 sān
4
5
6 liù
7
8
9 jiǔ
10 shí

Write numbers after 10 in Chinese

After 10, the result is quite logical:

  • 11 十一
  • 12 十二
  • 13 十三

...

  • 19 十九

Then:

  • 20 二十
  • 21 二十一
  • 22 二十二

etc.

It is very easy and there is nothing special except that we should not add a "one" from 10 to 19: Do not write: "一 十, 一 十一", etc.

Write big numbers in Chinese

Here's how to write big numbers:

Numbers Chinese pinyin
100 一百 yī bǎi
200 二百 èr bǎi
1.000 一千 yī qiān
3.000 三千 sān qiān
9.999 九千九百九十九 jiǔ qiān jiǔ bǎi jiǔ shí jiǔ
10.000 一万 yī wàn
40.000 四万 sì wàn
100.000 (10 x 10.000) 十万 shí wàn
500.000 五十万 wǔ shí wàn
1.000.000 (100 x 10.000) 一百万 yī bǎi wàn
6.000.000 六百万 liù bǎi wàn
10.000.000 (1.000 x 10.000) 一千万 yī qiān wàn
70.000.000 七千万 qī qiān wàn
100.000.000 一亿 yī yì
800.000.000 八亿 bā yì
1.000.000.000 (10 x 100.000.000) 十亿 shí yì

Write the date in Chinese

The date is built from the most general to the most precise:

Year + month + day of the month + day of the week

The year is constructed by listing the numbers in front of the word "year" 年 nián:

Thus, 2012 is written 二零一二年 èr líng yí èr nián.

So we say "year two, zero, one, two." We must not say two thousand, etc.

The months are constructed by putting the number or the number (10, 11, 12) before the word "month" 月 yuè:

  • January: 一月 yí yuè (note the change of tone of yī, see phonetics)
  • February: 二月 èr yuè
  • March: 三月 sān yuè

...

  • October: 十月 shí yuè
  • November: 十一月 shí yí yuè
  • December: 十二月 shí èr yuè

Only the year is built by listing the numbers.

April 1998 is therefore: 一 九九 八年 四月.

The day of the month is constructed by putting the number or number in front of the word "day" 日 rì.

Attention the word 天 tiān, "day" indicates the duration (in an expression like "three days of holidays" for example).

  • The first day of the month will be said: 一日 yí rì,
  • The second 二 日 èr rì,
  • The thirtieth 三十 日 sān shí rì,
  • The thirty-first 三十 一日 sān shí yí rì, etc.

December 21, 2012 is written: 二零 一 二年 十二月 二十 一日 (2012 Nián 12 yuè 21 rì).

In Chinese, the word week is called 星期 xīngqī (literally "period of stars"). The day of the week is built by adding the number after the word week 星期:

  • Monday 星期一 xīngqī yī
  • Tuesday 星期二 xīngqī èr
  • Wednesday 星期三 xīngqī sān
  • Thursday 星期四 xīngqī sì
  • Friday 星期五 xīngqī wǔ
  • Saturday 星期六 xīngqī liù

The word "Sunday" is special and is either 星期天 xīngqī tiān (day of the sky) or 星期日 xīngqī rì (day of the sun).

Ask for a date in Chinese

To ask for the date, two questions are possible:

  • 今天 的 日期 是 什么? Jīntiān de rìqī shì shénme?

or

  • 今天 几 月 几 日? Jīntiān jǐ yuè jǐ rì? (for the short form)
  • 今天 几年 几 月 几 日 星期 星期 几? Jīntiān jǐ nián jǐ yuè jǐ rì xīngqī jǐ? (for the long form)

To ask for the anniversary date we will say:

  • 你的生日是几月几日? Nǐ de shēngrì shì jǐ yuè jǐ rì ?

And the answer:

  • 我的生日是三月二十一日。 Wǒ de shēngrì shì sān yuè èrshíyí rì.

My birthday is on March 21st.

Which calendar is used in China?

Lunar calendar polyglot club2.jpg

The Chinese calendar is a lunar calendar.

It is still very much used for traditional celebrations and birthdays.

For work and administration, the so-called "solar calendar" is used.

"How old are you?" in Chinese

  • 你 多大? Nǐ duō dà?

How old are you?

The adjectival verb can be translated as "to be big" in the sense of size and age.

  • 中国 很大 Zhōngguó Hěn dà

China is very big.

In Chinese, the word duō can also be translated as "how many?" when he is in front of a verb.

This use of the verb 多 makes it possible to make questions that are difficult to translate into another language, but which do exist in Chinese:

  • 她 多 美?

How much is she pretty?

  • 他 多 好?

How much is he nice?

The answer to the question is built without verb using the word (suì):

Subject + number + 岁 (suì).

Example:

  • 我 十七 岁. Wǒ shíqī suì.

I am 17 years old

When we talk to a child, we can use the interrogative word "how much?" 几岁 jǐ suì:

  • 你 几岁? Nǐ jǐ suì?

How old are you?

Actually, 几岁 is used when the response is estimated to be less than 10 years old (approximately).

For an answer greater than 10 years old, use 多大.

How to pronounce years and phone numbers in Chinese

When pronuncing a phone number or a year, it must be done digit by digit.

When pronuncing phone numbers for instance, the Chinese often replace "" by "幺 <yāo>". Because in these cases, the sound changes of 一 are not applied, its pronunciation is similar to 's.

The year "2014" is "二〇一四(年) ‹ èr líng yī sì (nián) ›" and not "二千〇一十四".

Sources

http://www.chine-culture.com/chinois/cours-de-chinois-5-grammaire.php

https://chine.in/mandarin/methode/index.php?lecon=6

Other Lessons

Table of Contents - Mandarin Chinese Course - 0 to A1


Pinyin and Tones


Greetings and Basic Expressions


Sentence Structure and Word Order


Daily Life and Survival Expressions


Chinese Festivals and Traditions


Verbs and Verb Usage


Hobbies, Sports and Activities


China's Geography and Landmarks


Nouns and Pronouns


Professions and Personality Traits


Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts


Comparative and Superlative


Cities, Countries and Tourist Destinations


Modern China and Current Events