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zhī
🐱Essential

Meaning

Classifier for small animals, birds, and one of a pair. Also used for some objects.

💡 Memory Tip

只 is your go-to for small animals. Think of it as 'one critter'.

Examples

一只猫
yī zhǐ māo
one cat
两只鸟
liǎng zhǐ niǎo
two birds
一只手
yī zhǐ shǒu
one hand

Common Nouns Used With

māocat
gǒudog
niǎobird
chicken / rooster
shǒuhand
眼睛yǎn jīngeyes
chuánboat / ship

Related Measure Words