Grammar
Counting with classifiers
Why every number needs a measure word before the thing
0words
20XP
3–4min
Grammar
Counting with classifiers
In Cantonese you can't put a number straight before a thing. You need a **measure word**, called a **classifier**, in between: **number + classifier + noun**. Different things take different classifiers.
Number, classifier, noun
number + classifier + noun
go3個classifier for most things
個 is the all-purpose classifier, used for most things and for people. Animals take 隻, and a bowl of something takes 碗. One key rule: right before a classifier, the word for two is 兩, never 二.
jat1一go3個
one (of something)
loeng5兩go3個
two (of something)
saam1三zek3隻
three (animals)
jat1一wun2碗
one bowl
Recap
Always a classifier
Numbers need a classifier before the thing: **number + classifier + noun**. 個 is the all-purpose one, animals take 隻, bowls take 碗. And just before a classifier, two becomes **兩**, never 二.