Measure Words: Size & Shape
Please Note: The measure words listed below may have other uses in Mandarin, but this list specifically addresses use with respect to Size & Shape.
把
bǎ
Bunches of things, things with handles, i.e. keys, chair, flowers, etc.
堆
duī
Large stack or pile, i.e. trash, etc.
根
gēn
Long slender things, i.e. hair, guitar strings, matches, cigarettes, drinking straws, etc.
颗 / 顆
kē
Small spheres, compact items, i.e. pearls, corn, hearts, satellites, apples, soybeans, teeth, etc.
粒
lì
Small round things, i.e. peas, a pill, a grain of rice, peanuts, etc.
扇
shàn
Windows and doors, things that have hinges.
条 / 條
tiáo
Long thin things, winding, i.e. ribbon, river, road, pants, a life, etc.
团 / 團
tuán
Pile, i.e. wool yarn, string, junk, rice, etc.
张 / 張
zhāng
Flat items, i.e. photographs, table, event tickets, paper, newspapers, etc.
支
zhī
Long and straight, i.e. rods, straws, pens, etc.
