Classifier / Measure Word
Classifier
Measure word
Numeral classifier
What kind of unit are we counting?
booster
intermediate
Language coding
Significado
A word or marker used with numbers or quantity to classify the noun by shape, type, animacy, function, or measurement unit.
Como identificar
Notice whether numbers require an extra word before the noun.
Exemplos
Palavras
piece|cup|sheet|person|classifier
Frases
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?
Visão do idioma
No seu idioma
Portuguese (Brazilian)
Presença
weak
Importância
Portuguese uses measure words naturally but has no obligatory classifier system like Mandarin.
dois copos de água
two glasses of water
No idioma em estudo
Bengali (standard)
Presença
strong
Dificuldade
Classifiers/counters such as জন,টা,খানা are common with numerals and definiteness.
দুইজন ছাত্র এসেছে।
Two students have come.
Dificuldade típica de quem aprende
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.