Measure Words in Cantonese

The Missing Piece Between Numbers and Nouns

If you’ve ever tried to say “three apples” or “that book” in Cantonese and felt something was missing, you’ve already met one of the most important features of the language: measure words (量詞 Jyutping: loeng6 ci4 / 量词 Pinyin: liàng cí).

In Cantonese, a numeral is usually not followed directly by a noun. Instead, a measure word is inserted between them. The same thing happens when you use a demonstrative pronoun like this or that.

This structure might feel unfamiliar at first, but once you understand the logic behind it, measure words start to feel surprisingly natural.

The Basic Structure

In Cantonese, the pattern looks like this:

Number + Measure Word + NounDemonstrative + Measure Word + Noun

Examples in English structure:

• two (something) chairs

• this (something) book

The “something” is where the measure word lives.

Why Measure Words Exist

Think of measure words as a way of classifying or packaging nouns. English does this occasionally:

• a piece of paper

• a pair of shoes

• a slice of cake

Cantonese simply applies this idea far more consistently.

There are over one hundred measure words in Chinese, but don’t panic—you’ll only encounter two or three dozen in everyday speech. Most learners use a small, practical core set for years before expanding further.

Measure Words Are Often Meaningful

Many nouns are associated with specific measure words that are related in meaning to the noun itself:

• Flat things

• Long objects

• Animals

• Vehicles

• Containers

This means measure words aren’t random—they often reflect shape, function, or usage. Over time, your brain starts to recognize patterns instead of memorizing isolated rules.

The Most Important Measure Word: 個 (go3)

If there is one measure word you must know, it’s:

個 (go3)(Mandarin: 个 gè / ge)

• It is the single most common measure word in Cantonese.

• It is used for people and many general objects.

• It is sometimes used as a substitute when the exact measure word is unknown or unnecessary.

Because of this, 個 is extremely learner-friendly. Native speakers use it constantly in casual speech, and using 個 instead of a more specific measure word is usually understood—even if it’s not the most precise choice.

Think of 個 as the default setting.

Measure Words with Demonstratives

Measure words are also required when using this or that:

• this + measure word + noun

• that + measure word + noun

You cannot skip the measure word here. Even when you’re pointing at something right in front of you, the measure word stays.

This is one of the clearest signs that measure words are not optional fillers—they are a core grammatical feature.

How to Learn Measure Words Without Stress

A practical approach:

1. Start with 個 (go3) and use it confidently.

2. Learn measure words together with nouns, not in isolation.

3. Notice patterns (animals, flat objects, long items).

4. Accept that perfection is not required—communication comes first.

Native speakers care far more about clarity and flow than technical accuracy, especially when talking to learners.

Core Everyday Measure Words

1. 個 · go3 · 个 · gè / ge→ general-purpose, people & objects (most common)

2. 隻 · zek3 · 只 · zhī→ animals, one of a pair, single items

3. 張 · zoeng1 · 张 · zhāng→ flat objects (paper, tables, tickets)

4. 本 · bun2 · 本 · běn→ books, magazines, notebooks

5. 支 · zi1 · 支 · zhī→ long, thin objects (pens, bottles, sticks)

6. 杯 · bui1 · 杯 · bēi→ cups, glasses of drinks

7. 件 · gin6 · 件 · jiàn→ clothing, matters, pieces of work

   
   

Food & Containers

8. 碗 · wun2 · 碗 · wǎn→ bowls of food (rice, noodles)

9. 碟 · dip6 · 碟 / 盘 · dié / pán→ plates or dishes of food(Mandarin more often uses 盘)

10. 樽 · zeon1 · 瓶 · píng→ bottles (Cantonese-specific everyday usage)

    
    

People, Groups & Places

11. 位 · wai2 · 位 · wèi→ polite measure word for people

12. 間 · gaan1 · 间 · jiān→ rooms, shops, buildings

13. 隊 · deoi6 · 队 · duì→ teams, groups, lines

    
    

Time & Events

14. 次 · ci3 · 次 · cì→ times, occasions

15. 日 · jat6 · 天 / 日 · tiān / rì→ days(Cantonese commonly uses 日 in speech)

    
    

Clothing Measure Words

1. 件 (gin6) · 件 · jiàn→ the most common measure word for clothes

   Examples:一件衫 (jat1 gin6 saam1) — one shirt

2. 一件外套 (jat1 gin6 ngoi6 tou3) — one coat

3. 條 (tiu4) · 条 · tiáo→ long or flexible clothing items

   Examples: 一條褲 (jat1 tiu4 fu3) — one pair of pants

4. 一條裙 (jat1 tiu4 kwan4) — one skirt

5. 一條頸巾 (jat1 tiu4 geng2 gan1) — one scarf

6. 套 (tou3) · 套 · tào→ a complete set of clothes

   Examples:一套西裝 (jat1 tou3 sai1 zong1) — one suit

7. 一套運動服 (jat1 tou3 wan6 dung6 fuk6) — one sports outfit

8. 雙 (soeng1) · 双 · shuāng→ items that naturally come in pairs

   Examples:一雙鞋 (jat1 soeng1 haai4) — one pair of shoes

9. 一雙襪 (jat1 soeng1 mat6) — one pair of socks

10. 對 (deoi3) · 对 · duì→ pairs (slightly more neutral / formal than 雙)

    Example:一對手套 (jat1 deoi3 sau2 tou3) — one pair of gloves

Accessories & Wearables

1. 頂 (ding2) · 顶 · dǐng→ hats and caps

2. Example:一頂帽 (jat1 ding2 mou6) — one hat

3. 副 (fu3) · 副 · fù→ items worn in pairs, especially accessories

4. Example:一副眼鏡 (jat1 fu3 ngaan5 geng3) — one pair of glasses

5. 塊 (faai3) · 块 · kuài→ pieces of fabric or cloth

   Example:一塊布 (jat1 faai3 bou3) — one piece of cloth

General / Fallback Use

個 (go3) · 个 · gè / ge→ general-purpose measure word, usable when unsureExample:

一個袋 (jat1 go3 doi2) — one bag

Practical Learning Tip (Cantonese-first)

• Use 件 (gin6) for most clothes

• Use 條 (tiu4) for long items

• Use 雙 (soeng1) for pairs

• When unsure, 個 (go3) still works in casual speech

This approach keeps your Cantonese natural, confident, and communicative.

Final Thought

Measure words may feel like an extra step at first, but they’re actually part of what makes Cantonese precise, rhythmic, and expressive. Once you get used to them, sentences start to sound right—and skipping them will sound just as strange as forgetting “a” or “the” in English.

If Cantonese were a dance, measure words would be the steps between the beats.