📗 Beginner — frequent in early HSK exams
Meaning
The universal classifier. Used for people and most general objects when no specific measure word applies.
🏮 Cultural Story
中文 Chinese
"个"是中文里最神奇的量词。当你不知道用什么量词的时候，用"个"永远不会错！一个人、一个苹果、一个想法——几乎所有东西都可以用"个"。有个有趣的现象：现代中国人越来越懒了，年轻人甚至会说"一个狗"、"一个马"，虽然严格来说应该用"只"和"头"。语言学家把这叫做"个"的泛化现象——它正在慢慢吞噬其他量词的地盘。但记住，在正式场合或考试中，还是要用正确的量词哦！
English
**个 (gè)** is the most magical measure word in Chinese. When you don't know which classifier to use, **个** will never be wrong! One person, one apple, one idea — almost everything can use **个**. There's a fascinating trend: modern Chinese speakers are getting "lazier." Young people even say "一个狗" or "一个马", though strictly they should use 只 and 头. Linguists call this the "generalization of 个" — it's slowly eating the territory of other classifiers.
💡 Memory Tip
When in doubt, use 个! It's the safest choice and native speakers will understand you.
Examples
Common Nouns Used With
Video Examples
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YouGlish
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Reverso Context
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The universal classifier. Used for people and most general objects when no specific measure word applies.