一个
一one个general measure word=one item or one person
个
个 (gè) Chinese Character: general measure word
Put 个 between a number and many everyday nouns.
Practice 个 in the interactive lessonChinese character story: The Everyday Measure Word
个 (gè) is the most common Chinese measure word. Chinese usually places a measure word between a number or demonstrative and a noun: 一个人, “one person”; 这个苹果, “this apple.” It works with many everyday nouns, making it essential for beginners.
🧩 Word buildingSee what every part contributes
Chinese words often combine short meaning clues. Fixed expressions are clearly marked so you do not translate them too literally.
这个
这this个measure word=this one
Chinese character origin and etymology
个 is documented as a basic character form. Its earlier written forms gradually became the regular-script shape used today.
In modern simplified Chinese, 个 is written with 3 strokes. This lesson separates documented shape history from the memory story so learners do not mistake a mnemonic for a historical claim. 个 works as one complete form rather than a puzzle made from smaller modern components. Learning its overall silhouette is useful because the same shape may later appear inside more complex characters.
Chinese character stroke order and structure
个 is written with 3 strokes. Learn the complete stroke sequence in the interactive lesson, then write the character from memory before checking your answer.
- 个 — three-stroke general measure word
Common usage and sentence patterns
The examples below show 个 in complete beginner-friendly sentences. Read each sentence aloud, notice where the character appears, and then replace one noun or number to create a new sentence of your own.
我有一个朋友。
I have a friend.
这个苹果很好吃。
This apple tastes good.
那个人是老师。
That person is a teacher.
What does 个 (gè) mean in Chinese?
个 (gè) is the most common general measure word in Mandarin. Chinese normally places a measure word between a number or demonstrative and a noun: 一个人 (yí ge rén) means “one person,” 三个苹果 (sān ge píngguǒ) means “three apples,” and 这个 (zhè ge) means “this one.”
The dictionary reading is the fourth-tone gè, although it may sound lighter and closer to neutral-tone ge in fast conversation. Learn it as a useful grammar bridge rather than translating 个 as a separate English noun.
Continue with the Chinese measure words guide to compare 个 with classifiers for books, drinks, vehicles, people, and other everyday nouns.
Learning tips for 个
Learn the reading as one unit: gè, with the fourth tone: a sharp fall. Avoid memorizing the letters without the tone mark. Say the syllable, recall the English meaning “general measure word,” and write the 3 strokes from memory.
Because 个 is a basic form, focus on its proportions and stroke direction. Compare it with 一 (yī, one — often used in 一个); 这 (zhè, this — 这个 means “this one”); 本 (běn, measure word for books). Similar characters are easier to remember when their different parts and meanings are studied side by side.
Quick review checklist
- Can you recognize 个 without pinyin?
- Can you say gè with the correct tone and explain “general measure word”?
- Can you write all 3 strokes in order?
- Can you use 个 in one short sentence?
Related characters
Continue learning Chinese characters
Use the Chinese radicals and components guide to understand reusable parts, the stroke order guide to improve handwriting, and the HSK 1 character overview to choose your next beginner lesson.
Sources and editorial note
HanziStory separates documented character history from modern memory stories. Historical-form images are shown only when a matching source file is available; missing stages are skipped rather than invented. Stroke practice uses HanziWriter data.
Last updated: August 16, 2026. Read our sources, editorial method, and correction policy.