← All articles
Tag
#animals
2 articles tagged “animals”.
6 min read
Why Is a Horse 一匹马 and Not 一只马?
Most animals are counted with 只 (zhī), but horses take 匹 (pǐ). Here's the 3,000-year story behind it — and why it's not as random as it looks.
7 min read
Chinese Animal Measure Words: The Complete Guide (只, 头, 匹, 条, 窝)
Animals are the messiest corner of Chinese measure words. Here's the full system — 只 for small animals, 头 for livestock, 匹 for horses, 条 for long creatures, 窝 for a whole litter.