Discussion of 只/隻 [zhī] single, the only; measure word for birds and some animals, for one of certain paired things, for certain containers, or small boats

Discussion of 只/隻

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This is also a measure word for a watch, or items that come in pairs like earrings.

TrainChineseJake

Among the measure words for animals, 只 is probably most widely used one. It can be used on almost all animals, big, small, birds or reptiles, etc. For those animals who have specific measure words for themselves, 只 can sometimes also be used. Examples: 虎 (hu3, tiger), 狗 (gou3, dog), 牛 (niu2, ox)
If you are interested in learning other measure words for animals, please also check out the following ones: 条(tiao2), 匹 (pi3), 头 (tou2)

lisaC

Other than animals, 只 can also be used on certain body parts, or some common objects (usually the ones which come in pairs):
- 手 (shou3, hand)，眼 (yan3, eye)，耳朵 (er3duo5, ear)，脚 (jiao3, foot)
- 手套 (shou3tao4, glove)，袜子 (wa4zi5, sock), 箱子 (xiang4zi5, suitcase)，盒子 (he2zi5, box)

lisaC

Measure word also for cats

TrainChineseJake

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