Expressing approximate numbers with 几、多 - HSK 2 Chinese Grammar 2.1.3
Understanding Approximate Numbers in Chinese
Introduction to Approximate Numbers
- The video introduces a new grammar point focusing on expressing approximate numbers in Chinese, using English dialogues as examples.
- It highlights the importance of approximating numbers in everyday situations, such as estimating quantities or ages when exact figures are unknown.
Grammar Foundations
- Refers back to HSK1 grammar , which teaches how to ask questions about quantity, like "How many people are there in your family?"
- Introduces the word "几" (jǐ), which can mean "how many" when asking questions but translates to "several" when used in statements.
Expressing Several and Ranges
- Discusses practical applications of the term "几," illustrating its use with examples like “a few people” or “a few books.”
- Explains that "几" typically represents single-digit numbers and can be combined with tens to indicate ranges (e.g., 10 plus several).
Understanding '多' and Fractions
- Introduces the character "多" (duō), meaning many or more, which is interchangeable with "几."
- Highlights that "多" can also express fractions, providing examples like “just over three weeks” or “over six months.”
Clarifying Time Expressions
- Details how to construct phrases involving time using a number plus a measure word followed by a fraction.
- Provides further examples of expressing time ranges, such as “over five years” and clarifies how these expressions work mathematically.
Recap on Number Expressions
- Summarizes key differences between using "多" for fractions versus whole numbers.