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The classifiers tool can be used both as a character lookup tool and a classifier search tool. If the character is not a classifier then just the information about that character will be shown. If the character is a classifier then all the words that use that classifier will be shown.

The modern Chinese language makes use of what are called classifiers or measure words. A loose similarity in English is collective nouns or similies such as a pride of Lions or a gaggle of geese; pride and gaggle are similar to classifiers. The Chinese language do not just use them for collection but singular nouns too. For instance something that is long and thin would use tiao 条 as a measure word, 一条狗 would indicate a long thin dog such as a sausage dog, whereas 一只狗 would indicate a dog that is not long and thin but is an animal with 4 legs. 条, 只 are examples of measure words. Use the measure word tool to find words for a given measure word or find a measure word for a particular noun. Wikipedia read more ...

Chinese classifiers, also known as measure words, are an integral part of the Chinese language. They are used to count nouns and often reflect the shape, size, or specific characteristics of the object being counted. Here's an overview:

  • 1. Common Classifiers:

    - 个 (gè): It's a general-purpose classifier used for most nouns. For example, 一个人 (yī gè rén) means "one person."
    - 本 (běn): Used for books, magazines, etc. 一本书 (yī běn shū) means "one book." - 张 (zhāng): Commonly used for flat, thin objects like paper, tables, etc. 一张纸 (yī zhāng zhǐ) means "one piece of paper."

  • 2. Classifiers for People:

    - 位 (wèi): Used for people in a polite or respectful context. 一位老师 (yī wèi lǎo shī) means "one teacher."
    - 口 (kǒu): Used for family members. 三口人 (sān kǒu rén) means "three people (family)."

  • 3. Classifiers for Animals:

    - 只 (zhī) and 条 (tiáo): Used for most animals. 一只猫 (yī zhī māo) means "one cat." 一条鱼 (yī tiáo yú) means "one fish."
    - 头 (tóu): Used for larger animals. 三头牛 (sān tóu niú) means "three cows."

  • 4. Classifiers for Objects:

    - 辆 (liàng): Used for vehicles. 一辆车 (yī liàng chē) means "one car."
    - 架 (jià): Used for machines and instruments. 一架飞机 (yī jià fēi jī) means "one airplane."

  • 5. Classifiers for Flat Objects:

    - 张 (zhāng): Generally used for flat, rectangular objects like tables and paper.

  • 6. Classifiers for Buildings:

    - 幢 (zhuàng): Used for buildings. 三幢楼 (sān zhuàng lóu) means "three buildings."

  • 7. Special Classifiers:

    - 些 (xiē): Indicates a small quantity. 一些书 (yī xiē shū) means "some books." - 包 (bāo): Used for packages or bags. 两包糖 (liǎng bāo táng) means "two bags of sugar."

Understanding classifiers is essential for proper communication in Chinese, as using the wrong one can lead to confusion or sound unnatural. They add nuance and specificity to counting, contributing to the richness of the language.