How to Say ‘One (unit/measure word phrase)’ in Simplified Chinese
一个
💬 Usage Tip: [一个] = “one + a general measure word.” It’s the default for many nouns, including [红包]: [一个红包].
🇨🇳 In China: Measure words are a “Chinese must”—during New Year gift-giving you’ll hear them constantly: [一个]、[两份]、[一盒] etc.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
一
[yī]
one (1)
The number “one.” Before a classifier it often becomes 一(个).
我包了一红包，给你一个。
I prepared a bunch of red envelopes; I’ll give you one.
个
[gè]
(classifier) for general items; “a/an”
A very common measure word. 一个 = “one (piece/unit)” and is used for many nouns.
我给你一个小红包，意思意思。
I’ll give you a small red envelope—just a little token.
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