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Measure word 番

HSK 6
  • Measure words

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Verb一番(Object)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Measure word 番 used for actions that take considerable time, effort, or involve a certain process.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

番 is a verbal measure word, similar to 次 (time) or 遍 (time/round), but carries a more formal tone. It emphasizes that the action requires considerable effort, time, or involves a complex process. As such, 番 typically pairs with verbs like 思考 (to think), 讨论 (to discuss), 研究 (to research), 打扮 (to dress up), 努力 (to strive). You would not use 番 for simple, fleeting actions such as "glancing" or "listening."

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 这件事我得好好想一番。
    繁: 這件事我得好好想一番。Zhè jiàn shì wǒ děi hǎohǎo xiǎng yì fān.

    I need to think carefully about this matter.

  2. 他们为此进行了一番讨论。
    繁: 他們為此進行了一番討論。Tāmen wèi cǐ jìnxíng le yì fān tǎolùn.

    They had a discussion about this.

  3. 出门前，她精心打扮了一番。
    繁: 出門前，她精心打扮了一番。Chūmén qián, tā jīngxīn dǎban le yì fān.

    Before going out, she carefully dressed herself up.

  4. 经过一番努力，他成功了。
    繁: 經過一番努力，他成功了。Jīngguò yì fān nǔlì, tā chénggōng le.

    After a period of effort, he succeeded.

  5. 这番话让我思考了很久。
    繁: 這番話讓我思考了很久。Zhè fān huà ràng wǒ sīkǎo le hěn jiǔ.

    These words made me think for a very long time.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我看了他一番。
    Correct:我看了他一眼。

    番 is used for complex actions requiring effort; for simple actions like "look," 次 (times) or 眼 (measures) sounds more natural.

  • Wrong:我吃了一番饭。
    Correct:我吃了一顿饭。

    "Ăn cơm" is not usually considered an action requiring special effort. Using the measure word 顿 (meal) for a meal is most accurate.

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