Measure word 番
HSK 6- Measure words
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Measure word 番 used for actions that take considerable time, effort, or involve a certain process.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
番 is a verbal measure word, similar to 次 (time) or 遍 (time/round), but carries a more formal tone. It emphasizes that the action requires considerable effort, time, or involves a complex process. As such, 番 typically pairs with verbs like 思考 (to think), 讨论 (to discuss), 研究 (to research), 打扮 (to dress up), 努力 (to strive). You would not use 番 for simple, fleeting actions such as "glancing" or "listening."
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这件事我得好好想一番。繁: 這件事我得好好想一番。Zhè jiàn shì wǒ děi hǎohǎo xiǎng yì fān.
I need to think carefully about this matter.
- 他们为此进行了一番讨论。繁: 他們為此進行了一番討論。Tāmen wèi cǐ jìnxíng le yì fān tǎolùn.
They had a discussion about this.
- 出门前，她精心打扮了一番。繁: 出門前，她精心打扮了一番。Chūmén qián, tā jīngxīn dǎban le yì fān.
Before going out, she carefully dressed herself up.
- 经过一番努力，他成功了。繁: 經過一番努力，他成功了。Jīngguò yì fān nǔlì, tā chénggōng le.
After a period of effort, he succeeded.
- 这番话让我思考了很久。繁: 這番話讓我思考了很久。Zhè fān huà ràng wǒ sīkǎo le hěn jiǔ.
These words made me think for a very long time.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我看了他一番。Correct:我看了他一眼。
番 is used for complex actions requiring effort; for simple actions like "look," 次 (times) or 眼 (measures) sounds more natural.
- Wrong:我吃了一番饭。Correct:我吃了一顿饭。
"Ăn cơm" is not usually considered an action requiring special effort. Using the measure word 顿 (meal) for a meal is most accurate.