How to Say Amounts in Mandarin Chinese: 'A Kilo Of', 'A Liter Of', 'Half a Dozen'
Learn to express quantities like 'a kilo of', 'a liter of', and 'half a dozen' in Mandarin Chinese. This beginner lesson focuses on measure words and amount phrases for shopping and daily use.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you want to buy or talk about amounts in Mandarin Chinese, you can't just put a number before a noun like in English. Instead, you need to use measure words. This lesson teaches you how to say amounts such as 'a kilo of', 'a liter of', and 'half a dozen' using common measure words like 公斤 (gōngjīn), 升 (shēng), and 打 (dá). You'll learn the pattern 'Number + Measure Word + Noun', which is essential for shopping, cooking, and everyday conversations. By the end, you'll be able to request specific quantities confidently.
By the end, you can…
- ask for a kilo of a product using 公斤 (gōngjīn).
- request a liter of a liquid using 升 (shēng).
- say 'half a dozen' using 半打 (bàn dá).
- use the pattern 'Number + Measure Word + Noun' correctly.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
一公斤苹果
one kilo of apples
yī gōngjīn píngguǒ
Use 公斤 for kilograms. 苹果 means apples; replace with any item you weigh.
一升牛奶
one liter of milk
yī shēng niúnǎi
Use 升 for liters. 牛奶 means milk; works for other liquids like juice or oil.
半打鸡蛋
half a dozen eggs
bàn dá jīdàn
半打 means half a dozen (6 items). 鸡蛋 means eggs; use for any item sold by dozen.
两瓶水
two bottles of water
liǎng píng shuǐ
瓶 is the measure word for bottles. 水 means water; use for any bottled drink.
三碗米饭
three bowls of rice
sān wǎn mǐfàn
碗 is the measure word for bowls. 米饭 means cooked rice; use for bowl-served foods.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
In Mandarin, to express an amount, use the pattern: Number + Measure Word + Noun. For example, 一公斤苹果 (yī gōngjīn píngguǒ) means 'one kilo of apples'. The measure word must match the noun's nature: 公斤 for weight, 升 for volume, 瓶 for bottles, 碗 for bowls, 打 for dozens. Unlike English, you cannot omit the measure word. So 'one kilo apples' is incorrect; you must say 一公斤苹果. Also, note that 两 (liǎng) is used instead of 二 (èr) for 'two' before measure words.
When to use it
Use these phrases when shopping at markets or supermarkets, ordering food, or following recipes. For instance, at a fruit stand, you might say 我要一公斤苹果 (wǒ yào yī gōngjīn píngguǒ) 'I want one kilo of apples.' If buying milk, say 我买一升牛奶 (wǒ mǎi yī shēng niúnǎi) 'I'm buying one liter of milk.' For eggs, 半打鸡蛋 (bàn dá jīdàn) is common. Remember that in casual speech, the noun can be omitted if context is clear: 我要一公斤 (wǒ yào yī gōngjīn) 'I want one kilo.'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
你好，我要一公斤苹果。
Hello, I want one kilo of apples.Nǐ hǎo, wǒ yào yī gōngjīn píngguǒ.好的，还要别的吗？
Okay, anything else?Hǎo de, hái yào bié de ma?再要一升牛奶和半打鸡蛋。
Also one liter of milk and half a dozen eggs.Zài yào yī shēng niúnǎi hé bàn dá jīdàn.一共五十块。
That's fifty yuan in total.Yīgòng wǔshí kuài.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese markets, using the correct measure word shows respect for the language and helps avoid confusion. While pointing and saying numbers might work, it's better to use full phrases. Also, when buying produce, it's common to specify weight in 斤 (jīn, 500 grams) instead of 公斤 (kilogram) in some regions, especially in traditional markets. For example, 一斤苹果 (yī jīn píngguǒ) means 'half a kilo of apples'. Be aware of regional differences: in mainland China, 斤 is 500g, but in Taiwan, 台斤 is 600g. Always clarify if unsure.
One thing to watch for
Omitting the measure word and saying 一苹果 (yī píngguǒ) for 'one apple'.
Try this instead: Always include a measure word between the number and noun. For 'one apple', say 一个苹果 (yī gè píngguǒ). For amounts like kilos or liters, use the specific measure word: 一公斤苹果 (yī gōngjīn píngguǒ).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'two liters of water' in Mandarin?
Show a sample answer
两升水 (liǎng shēng shuǐ)
Use 升 (shēng) for liters, and 两 (liǎng) instead of 二 for 'two' before a measure word. 水 means water.
2What is the Mandarin phrase for 'half a dozen eggs'?
Show a sample answer
半打鸡蛋 (bàn dá jīdàn)
半打 means half a dozen, and 鸡蛋 means eggs. 打 is the measure word for dozen.
3Translate: 'I want three bowls of rice.'
Show a sample answer
我要三碗米饭 (wǒ yào sān wǎn mǐfàn)
碗 (wǎn) is the measure word for bowls. 米饭 means cooked rice. The pattern is Number + Measure Word + Noun.
To express amounts in Mandarin, always use the pattern Number + Measure Word + Noun. Learn common measure words like 公斤, 升, 打, 瓶, and 碗 to request quantities accurately.
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