Classifier / Measure Word
Classifier
Measure word
Numeral classifier
What kind of unit are we counting?
booster
intermediate
Language coding
Significato
A word or marker used with numbers or quantity to classify the noun by shape, type, animacy, function, or measurement unit.
Come riconoscerlo
Notice whether numbers require an extra word before the noun.
Esempi
Parole
piece|cup|sheet|person|classifier
Frasi brevi
three cups of water|one piece of paper
Frase
I bought three cups of coffee.
Visual guide
Basic shape
counting a noun: number -> unit/class -> noun 3 -> cups -> coffee 1 -> piece -> paper classifier answers: "count as what kind/unit?"
Compare shape
Counting patterns: A) 3 books number + noun B) 3 CL book number + class + noun C) 3 cups of water number + measure + of + noun Ask: required? which class?
Panoramica per lingua
Nella tua lingua
Italian (standard)
Presenza
weak
Importanza
Italian has measure nouns but not a broad obligatory classifier system.
Ho comprato tre tazze di caffè.
I bought three cups of coffee.
Nella lingua che studi
Bengali (standard)
Presenza
strong
Difficoltà
Classifiers/counters such as জন,টা,খানা are common with numerals and definiteness.
দুইজন ছাত্র এসেছে।
Two students have come.
Difficoltà tipica di chi impara
Learners may omit classifiers or choose a classifier that sounds unnatural.
New in your learning language
This block is more central in your learning language. Give it extra focus in examples and practice.