NumbersHSK 3
Approximating with sequential numbers
To express an approximate number, use two consecutive numbers (e.g., 一 + 两, 三 + 四, 七 + 八) directly before a measure word or place word like 十 or 百. This pattern means 'about' or 'or so,' similar to 'one or two' in English. Remember to use 两 instead of 二 when the first number is 1, because 两 is used before measure words.
Structure
Number₁ + (Number₁+1) + Measure Word / Place Word (+ Noun)
When Number₁ is 1, use 两 for Number₁+1. Place words like 十, 百, 千 extend the pattern to approximate tens, hundreds, etc.
Examples
- 一两天yī liǎng tiānone or two days
- 三四个人sān sì gè rénthree or four people
- 这个词我们学过两三次了。Zhège cí wǒmen xué guo liǎng sān cì le.We've studied this word two or three times now.
- 他们七八年没见面了。Tāmen qī bā nián méi jiànmiàn le.They haven't seen each other for seven or eight years.
- 这件衣服只要七八十块钱。Zhè jiàn yīfu zhǐ yào qī bā shí kuài qián.This clothing only costs seventy to eighty kuai.