岁

HSK 1

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

SubjectAge岁

岁 is a measure word used to indicate age, typically placed after a number to express the number of years old.

岁 (suì) is the most common way to express age in Chinese. It functions as a measure word for age. Simply place the number directly before 岁.

To ask someone's age, 几岁 (how old) is typically used for children (usually under 10), while 多大 (how old) is used for adults as a sign of respect.

我今年二十岁。
繁: 我今年二十歲。Wǒ jīnnián èrshí suì.
I am twenty years old this year.
他儿子五岁了。
繁: 他兒子五歲了。Tā érzi wǔ suì le.
His son is five years old.
你妹妹几岁了？
繁: 你妹妹幾歲了？Nǐ mèimei jǐ suì le?
How old is your younger sister now?
我老师三十八岁。
繁: 我老師三十八歲。Wǒ lǎoshī sānshíbā suì.
My teacher is thirty-eight years old.
我爷爷八十岁了。
繁: 我爺爺八十歲了。Wǒ yéye bāshí suì le.
My grandfather is eighty years old.