Usage of 条 (tiáo)
条 is a common measure word in Chinese used primarily for long, narrow objects such as rivers, roads, fish, or pieces of cloth. It also counts animals like fish or snakes. When you use 条, you are specifying the quantity of these items.
Common Collocations
- 一条河 (a river): used for long natural features.
- 一条鱼 (a fish): counting fish or similar animals.
- 一条新闻 (a piece of news): used metaphorically for news items.
Notes
条 is not used for short or round objects; other measure words like 个 or 只 are used instead. It often appears in everyday conversation and formal writing alike. Avoid confusing 条 with other measure words by focusing on the shape or category of the noun it modifies.