Counting Things: Learn Cantonese

In Cantonese you cannot put a number straight in front of a noun: you need a measure word, or classifier, in between. This lesson introduces the all-purpose 個 (go3) along with specific ones like 隻 (zek3) for animals and 碗 (wun2) for bowls of food. You will also meet 兩 (loeng5), the special form of “two” used when counting with a classifier.

What you'll learn

Use the general classifier 個 (go3)
Say “one of something” with 一個 (jat1 go3)
Count with the special “two,” 兩 (loeng5)
Count animals with 隻 (zek3)
Count bowls of food with 碗 (wun2)
Put a number, classifier, and noun in the right order

In Cantonese, when counting things, you need a “measure word” (classifier) between the number and the noun. 個 is the most common one, use it when you're unsure!

go3個

general measure word (classifier)

m4唔goi1該，ngo5我jiu3要jat1一go3個baau1包

Excuse me, I want one bun

jat1一go3個

one (of something)

ngo5我jiu3要jat1一go3個daan6蛋taat1撻

I want one egg tart

loeng5兩

two (when counting with classifiers)

loeng5兩go3個jan4人sik6食faan6飯

Two people having a meal

zek3隻

classifier for animals

ni1呢saam1三zek3隻maau1貓hou2好dak1得ji3意

These three cats are very cute

wun2碗

bowl (classifier for bowls of food)

m4唔goi1該，loeng5兩wun2碗faan6飯

Excuse me, two bowls of rice please

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common measure word in Cantonese?

The general classifier is 個 (go3). When you are not sure which measure word fits a noun, 個 is usually a safe choice.

Why does Cantonese use 兩 instead of 二 for two?

When you count with a classifier you use 兩 (loeng5), not 二 (ji6). So two of something is 兩個 (loeng5 go3), while 二 is mostly for the abstract number and larger figures.

How do you count animals in Cantonese?

Use the classifier 隻 (zek3) for most animals, as in 一隻 (jat1 zek3) for one. Different nouns take different measure words, which this lesson walks through.