数数
The English phrase 'counting' is translated into Mandarin as 数数.
数数 is used to describe the act of counting items or when instructing children to count numbers.
Meaning: act of making a count (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: the first character 数 (shǔ) is the verb 'to count' and the second character 数 (shù) is the noun 'number' or 'count'.
How does it change in a sentence?
数数 is a verb-object construction. In this phrase, the same character is used in two different tones: the first is a verb (shǔ) and the second is a noun (shù).
Did you know?
- When counting items in a market, Chinese speakers often use 'finger counting' patterns that differ from Western ones. For example, the number six is often represented by the thumb and pinky extended, resembling a 'shaka' sign.
- In traditional Chinese culture, counting to four is often avoided because the word for four 四 sounds similar to the word for death 死. This can lead to skipping the number four when counting floors in buildings or hotel rooms.
- Counting in Mandarin is highly systematic compared to English. While English has unique words like 'eleven' and 'twelve', Mandarin simply says 'ten one' 十一 and 'ten two' 十二.
Examples in context
- 他在数数。Tā zài shǔshù.He is counting.
- 数数可以锻炼大脑。Shǔshù kěyǐ duànliàn dànǎo.Counting can exercise the brain.
- 那个孩子正在数数。Nàge háizi zhèngzài shǔshù.That child is counting.
Example conversation
A father and daughter are playing with blocks in the living room.
- 佳怡 Jiayi爸爸，你在数数吗？Bàba, nǐ zài shǔshù ma?Dad, are you counting?
- 伟 Wei是的，我在数数这些积木。Shì de, wǒ zài shǔshù zhèxiē jīmù.Yes, I am counting these blocks.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也想数数。Wǒ yě xiǎng shǔshù.I want to count too.
- 伟 Wei好啊，我们一起来数数。Hǎo a, wǒmen yīqǐ lái shǔshù.Okay, let's count together.
