📘 Intermediate — key word for HSK 3-4
Meaning
Polite/formal classifier for people, used to show respect to guests, teachers, elders.
🏮 Cultural Story
中文 Chinese
如果你想表示对某人的尊重，就用"位"。"一位老师"、"两位客人"——听起来比"一个老师"、"两个客人"礼貌多了。有趣的是，你永远不能对自己用"位"！如果你说"我是一位工程师"，会让人觉得非常自大，好像在给自己颁奖一样。在古代，"位"最初指的是"位置"或"座位"，所以"一位"字面意思是"占据一个位置的人"——暗示这个人的地位值得被尊重。这就是为什么酒店前台永远说"请问几位？"而不是"几个？"
English
**位 (wèi)** = respect. "一位老师", "两位客人" sounds much more polite than 个. You can NEVER use 位 for yourself! Saying "我是一位工程师" sounds incredibly arrogant. In ancient times, 位 meant "position/seat," so 一位 = "a person occupying a position." Hotel receptionists always ask "几位?" not "几个?"
💡 Memory Tip
位 shows respect. Use it for teachers, guests, and professionals — never for yourself.
Examples
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Video Examples
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YouGlish
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Polite/formal classifier for people, used to show respect to guests, teachers, elders.