我十二岁
wǒ shí'èr suì
The Chinese phrase for "I am twelve years old" is 我十二岁 (wǒ shí'èr suì).
This phrase is used to communicate your current age. The component 岁 (suì) means "years old".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I twelve years old" because the verb "to be" is omitted when stating age. The word 岁 (suì) acts as a measure word for years of age and is required after the number when stating age.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the particle 了 (le) to the end of the phrase, resulting in 我十二岁了. This emphasizes that the speaker has reached or changed to this new age.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ shí'èr suì
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, a person is automatically considered one year old when born and gains an additional year each Chinese New Year regardless of their actual birthday.
Did you know?
- The character 岁 was originally a pictograph representing a 'grain' or 'harvest', linking the passing of years to the agricultural cycle.
- In traditional contexts, a person might use the term 虚岁 (xūsuì) or 'nominal age' to distinguish the traditional East Asian age counting system from the international standard.
- The character 岁 (suì) is often seen in the phrase 岁岁平安 (suì suì píng ān), a common New Year blessing. This uses the word for 'year' or 'age' to wish someone peace every single year.
Examples in context
- 我十二岁了。I am twelve years old.This sentence is useful for seeing how the particle 了 emphasizes reaching a new age.Tatoeba #9959852 by GlossaMatik, translation #4353654 by Tjagotje
- 请允许我自我介绍一下，我今年十二岁。Please allow me to introduce myself, I am twelve years old.
- 我今年已经十二岁了。I'm already twelve years old this year.
- 哇，我都长大了，今年都十二岁了。Wow, I've grown up. I'm already twelve years old this year.
- 还没到十三岁，我十二岁。Hái méi dào shísān suì, wǒ shí'èr suì.Not thirteen yet, I am twelve years old.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their ages at school.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你几岁了？Xiǎowén, nǐ jǐ suì le?Xiaowen, how old are you?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我十二岁。Wǒ shí'èr suì.I am twelve years old.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也十二岁。Wǒ yě shí'èr suì.I am twelve years old too.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那我们同年级。Nà wǒmen tóng niánjí.Then we are in the same grade.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
