How to Count Numbers in Chinese: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Counting numbers in Chinese might seem daunting at first, but with a systematic approach, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, complete with screenshots and examples.
- How do you count numbers in Chinese?
Counting numbers in Chinese involves learning the basic numbers from 1 to 10, understanding the use of units for tens, hundreds, thousands, and beyond, and distinguishing between 二 (èr) and 两 (liǎng) for different contexts. - How do you say the Chinese numbers from 1 to 10?
The numbers from 1 to 10 in Chinese are: 一 (yī), 二 (èr), 三 (sān), 四 (sì), 五 (wǔ), 六 (liù), 七 (qī), 八 (bā), 九 (jiǔ), 十 (shí). - How do you count 7 in Chinese hand?
In Chinese hand gestures, 7 is represented by holding up the index and middle fingers together, while the other fingers are closed. - How to write 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 in Chinese?
The numbers 1 to 10 in Chinese are written as: 一, 二, 三, 四, 五, 六, 七, 八, 九, 十. - Why do Chinese like number 6?
The number 6 (六, liù) is considered lucky in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word for 'flow' (流, liú), implying smooth progress and success. - How do you say 0 in Mandarin?
0 is 零 (líng) in Mandarin.
Want to test your Chinese counting skills? Try our interactive quiz at the end of this article!
1. Understanding the Basics: Numbers 1 to 10
First, let's get familiar with the numbers from 1 to 10 in Chinese:
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | yī |
| 2 | 二 | èr |
| 3 | 三 | sān |
| 4 | 四 | sì |
| 5 | 五 | wǔ |
| 6 | 六 | liù |
| 7 | 七 | qī |
| 8 | 八 | bā |
| 9 | 九 | jiǔ |
| 10 | 十 | shí |
2. Chinese: Decimal System
Chinese uses the decimal system, meaning numbers are based on powers of ten. This system forms the basis for all numbers beyond ten.
3. Forming Numbers 11 to 19
In Chinese, numbers 11 to 19 are formed by combining the number 10 (十) with the numbers 1 to 9. Here’s how it works:
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 十一 | shí yī |
| 12 | 十二 | shí èr |
| 13 | 十三 | shí sān |
| 14 | 十四 | shí sì |
| 15 | 十五 | shí wǔ |
| 16 | 十六 | shí liù |
| 17 | 十七 | shí qī |
| 18 | 十八 | shí bā |
| 19 | 十九 | shí jiǔ |
4. Counting by Tens: 20, 30, 40, etc.
For tens (20, 30, 40, etc.), you combine the number for the tens place with 十 (shí). For instance:
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 二十 | èr shí |
| 30 | 三十 | sān shí |
| 40 | 四十 | sì shí |
| 50 | 五十 | wǔ shí |
| 60 | 六十 | liù shí |
| 70 | 七十 | qī shí |
| 80 | 八十 | bā shí |
| 90 | 九十 | jiǔ shí |
5. Numbers 21 to 99
For numbers like 21, 22, etc., you combine the tens place with the units place. Here are a few examples:
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | 二十一 | èr shí yī |
| 35 | 三十五 | sān shí wǔ |
| 47 | 四十七 | sì shí qī |
| 58 | 五十八 | wǔ shí bā |
| 69 | 六十九 | liù shí jiǔ |
| 73 | 七十三 | qī shí sān |
| 84 | 八十四 | bā shí sì |
| 99 | 九十九 | jiǔ shí jiǔ |
6. Hundreds, Thousands, and Beyond
When counting hundreds, thousands, and beyond, the structure remains consistent:
- Hundreds: Number + 百 (bǎi)
- Thousands: Number + 千 (qiān)
- Ten Thousands: Number + 万 (wàn)
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 一百 | yī bǎi |
| 200 | 二百 | èr bǎi |
| 300 | 三百 | sān bǎi |
| 1000 | 一千 | yī qiān |
| 2000 | 二千 | èr qiān |
| 3000 | 三千 | sān qiān |
| 10000 | 一万 | yī wàn |
| 20000 | 二万 | èr wàn |
| 30000 | 三万 | sān wàn |
7. Distinguishing Between "二" and "两"
In Chinese, the number 2 can be written as 二 (èr) or 两 (liǎng). The usage depends on the context:
- 二 (èr): Used in numerical sequences, such as phone numbers, room numbers, or when counting (e.g., 二十 for 20).
- 两 (liǎng): Used when specifying quantities or measurements, and when telling time.
Examples:
- Numerical Sequences: Use 二 (èr) for phone numbers, room numbers, etc.
- Phone number: 123-4567-8910 → 一二三 四五六七 八九一零
- Room number: 202 → 二零二
- Quantities and Time: Use 两 (liǎng) for specifying quantities or telling time.
- 两个人 (liǎng gè rén) - Two people
- 两点钟 (liǎng diǎn zhōng) - Two o'clock
- 两年 (liǎng nián) - Two years
- 两个苹果 (liǎng gè píngguǒ) - Two apples
8. Numbers Beyond Ten Thousand
For numbers beyond ten thousand, Chinese uses a different system:
- Ten Thousand: 万 (wàn)
- Hundred Thousand: 十万 (shí wàn)
- Million: 百万 (bǎi wàn)
- Ten Million: 千万 (qiān wàn)
- Hundred Million: 亿 (yì)
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 10000 | 一万 | yī wàn |
| 100000 | 十万 | shí wàn |
| 1000000 | 一百万 | yī bǎi wàn |
| 10000000 | 一千万 | yī qiān wàn |
| 100000000 | 一亿 | yī yì |
Test your knowledge with our interactive quiz!
Question 1: How do you say 500 in Chinese?
Question 2: What is the correct way to say two apples in Chinese?
Question 3: How do you write 10,000 in Chinese?
Conclusion
With these steps, you should now have a solid understanding of how to count numbers in Chinese. Practice regularly, and soon you'll be counting fluently. Happy learning!
