Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “thirty” in Chinese! Whether you are planning a trip to China, learning Mandarin as a second language, or simply curious about different languages and cultures, this guide will provide you with various ways to express the number “thirty” in Mandarin Chinese. We will cover both formal and informal ways of saying it, focusing primarily on the widely spoken standard Mandarin. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Thirty” in Chinese
When it comes to formally saying “thirty” in Chinese, most Mandarin speakers would use the word “sānshí” (三十). Here is an example of how you can use this term in a sentence:
Sentence Example: Jīntiān shì sānshí hào, wǒ de shēngrì! (今天是三十号，我的生日！) – Today is the thirtieth, it’s my birthday!
Remember that in Mandarin Chinese, the sentence structure typically follows the pattern subject + verb + object. In the example above, “jīntiān” (今天) means “today,” allowing you to convey the date more explicitly.
Another way to express the number “thirty” formally is by using the combination of the words “lǐng” (令) and “shí” (十). However, this usage is less common in modern Mandarin and often reserved for formal contexts like poetry or historical references.
Informal Ways to Say “Thirty” in Chinese
Informally, Mandarin speakers often use the term “sānshí” (三十) just like in formal situations. However, there are a few variations that you may come across in informal spoken language:
- 三十块 (sānshí kuài): This phrase is commonly used in some regions and translates literally to “thirty dollars.” The inclusion of “kuài” (块) here refers to the Chinese currency, which makes the expression more casual and slangy.
- 三十多 (sānshí duō): When using “duō” (多) after the word “sānshí” (三十), it means “a little more than thirty” or “thirty-something.” This casual expression implies an approximate number in a flexible manner.
Both these informal variations may differ in usage depending on the region or social context, so keep that in mind while engaging in informal conversations.
Regional Variations
As Mandarin Chinese is spoken across various regions with different dialects, it’s worth mentioning some regional variations in how “thirty” is said. However, it’s important to note that these are not commonly used in contemporary standard Mandarin:
- 三十个 (sānshí ge): The addition of the measure word “ge” (个) is commonly found in northern dialects, including Beijing, to specify the quantity of thirty objects or items.
- 卅 (sà): A traditional way of writing “thirty” in some southern Chinese dialects, similar to Cantonese, which is still occasionally seen in writing and old texts. However, using “卅” in everyday conversation is rare nowadays.
Practice Examples
The best way to familiarize yourself with how to say “thirty” in Chinese is through practice. Here are a few more examples to help you reinforce your knowledge:
- Wǒ jīntiān sìshíwǔ suì, nǐ ne? (我今天四十五岁，你呢?) – I am thirty-five years old today, and you?
- Jīntiān shì qī yuè sānshí yī hào. (今天是七月三十一号。) – Today is July thirtieth.
- Tā yǒu sānshí nián de jiǔyè jīngyàn. (他有三十年的就业经验。) – He has thirty years of work experience.
Remember that practice is key to improving language skills, so keep exploring different sentences and scenarios to enhance your grasp of Mandarin Chinese!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “thirty” in Chinese. You are well-equipped to navigate formal and informal situations, while also being aware of regional variations. Practice speaking and integrating these phrases into your daily conversations to reinforce your language skills. Learning a new culture and its language is a rewarding journey, and your newfound knowledge of Mandarin Chinese will undoubtedly enhance your understanding and appreciation of this fascinating language. Wishing you success on your language-learning adventure!
