Master Chinese specifiers (这, 那, 每, 哪) and learn how to express indefinite quantities and approximate numbers
Demonstratives & Specifiers in Chinese
Specifiers are a special group of noun modifiers that indicate proximity, quantity, or selection. In Chinese, these words come before the noun phrase and help specify which particular item or how many items you’re referring to.
Common Chinese Specifiers
- 这 (zhè) – this (near speaker)
- 那 (nà) – that (far from speaker)
- 每 (měi) – every, each
- 哪 (nǎ) – which (interrogative)
These specifiers are used with measure words and nouns to create complete noun phrases.
这 (zhè)
Means “this” – refers to objects close to the speaker.
Used for singular and plural nouns.
那 (nà)
Means “that” – refers to objects far from the speaker.
Used for singular and plural nouns.
每 (měi)
Means “every” or “each” – refers to all members of a group.
Used for distributive meaning.
哪 (nǎ)
Means “which” – used in questions to ask about selection.
Forms questions about specific items.
1 Basic Structure: Specifier + Number + Measure Word + Noun
The basic pattern for using specifiers follows the standard Chinese noun phrase structure: Specifier + Number + Measure Word + Noun. The noun can be omitted when clear from context, and the number “one” is often omitted unless needed for emphasis.
Example Expressions
Pronunciation in Spoken Chinese
Important: In spoken Chinese, 这 is often pronounced as zhèi and 那 as nèi, especially before measure words.
This pronunciation variation is common in everyday conversation.
Key Points About Number “One”
The number 一 (yī) – “one” is often omitted when it’s the only number in the phrase, unless it’s needed for emphasis or clarity.
This omission makes speech more natural and efficient in daily conversation.
2 Expressing Indefinite Quantities
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3 Expressing “Over” or “More Than”
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Practice Exercises
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