Usage of 栋 as a Classifier
栋 (dòng) is a measure word used specifically for counting buildings or houses. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to distinct structures, such as residential buildings, office buildings, or houses.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 栋 used with words like 楼 (lóu, building), 房子 (fángzi, house), or 办公楼 (bàngōng lóu, office building). For example, 一栋楼 means "one building."
Collocations and Patterns
These collocations emphasize the physical structure as a single unit.
Important Notes
栋 is strictly a classifier and cannot be used to count floors or rooms inside a building. For floors, 层 (céng) is used instead. Avoid confusing 栋 with other classifiers like 间 (jiān), which counts rooms.
Using 栋 correctly helps specify the number of buildings clearly and is essential for precise communication about real estate, architecture, or urban environments.