數+量 — a measure word sits between them. [number] [measure] [noun].

grammar → 數+量

TSUMUGU · TBCL 1 (est.) · 語法

數+量 grammar point · tier 4 · number + measure word + noun (一本書)

Counting frame: a number cannot touch a noun directly — a measure word sits between them. [number] [measure] [noun].

Hook inherited from 量詞.

Counting frame

框 · Frame

[number] [measure word] [noun]

觸 · Trigger

You want to count a thing and the number is about to land straight on the noun.

序 · The move

1Set the number down first.Is a count what you mean?

2Reach for the noun and feel that the number won't hold it bare; fit a measure word in between.Does the measure word match this noun's kind — 本 for a bound thing, 個 when nothing better fits?

3Set the noun last, behind the measure word.Is the order number, measure, noun, with nothing missing in the middle?

例 · Examples

1一one本measure for bound things書book；一個the general measure word人person。

one book; one person.

界 · Boundary

量詞

量詞 is the inventory the slot draws from; 數+量 is the three-slot frame that puts a chosen measure between number and noun. The measure is not free: 本 for bound things, 個 the catch-all when nothing fits closer.

✗ 一書 → ✓ 一本書

✗ 一人 → ✓ 一個人

✗ 三個書 → ✓ 三本書

English counts a noun bare (one book), so the measure word gets dropped; Chinese needs the handle between the number and the noun.