个 (gè) — general measure word

个 (gè)

The most common and versatile measure word in Chinese. 个 is used as a general classifier for people and a wide variety of objects. When unsure which measure word to use, 个 is often the safest default, though using the correct specific measure word is more natural.

Meanings

1. [measure word] General classifier. Used with people, round or general objects, and many abstract concepts.

What 个 counts

个 is used with:

• People: 一个人 (one person), 一个学生 (one student), 一个朋友 (one friend)
• Round or freestanding objects: 一个苹果 (one apple), 一个西瓜 (one watermelon)
• General uncategorized items: 一个问题 (one question), 一个主意 (one idea)
• Countries, cities, organizations: 一个国家 (one country)

Example Sentences

我有一个问题。 Wǒ yǒu yī gè wèntí. I have a question.

他有两个孩子。 Tā yǒu liǎng gè háizi. He has two children.

请给我一个苹果。 Qǐng gěi wǒ yī gè píngguǒ. Please give me one apple.

这个班有三十个学生。 Zhège bān yǒu sānshí gè xuésheng. This class has thirty students.

Collocations

Common Learner Mistake

Beginners often use 个 for everything. While this is often understood, it sounds unnatural. For books, use 本; for flat objects, use 张; for cups, use 杯. Use 个 as a fallback, but learn the specific classifiers as vocabulary expands.