The Usages of the Measure Words – 次(cì) / 遍(biàn) / 趟(tàng) / 场(chǎng)

次 (cì)
(Verbal Measure Word)
To modify the actions which can be repeated
e.g.
We met once.
我们见过一次。
Wǒmen jiàn guò yí cì.

I’ve taken hsk4 four times, but I failed four times.
HSK4我考了四次也没过。
HSK4 wǒ kǎo le sì cì yě méi guò.

遍 (biàn)
(Verbal Measure Word)
To emphasize the whole process of an action from the beginning to the end.
e.g.
Please say it again.
请再说一遍。
Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn.

I have read this book twice.
这本书我看了两遍。
Zhè běn shū wǒ kàn le liǎng biàn.

趟 (tàng)
(Verbal Measure Word)
To indicate the whole process of going to and returning from a place.
e.g.
These things can’t be moved at one time.
这些东西一趟搬不完。
Zhè xiē dōngxi yí tàng bān bù wán.

I went there twice and he was not there.
我去了两趟,他都不在。
Wǒ qù le liǎng tàng, tā dōu bú zài.

场 (chǎng)
(Nominal Measure Word)
refers to the whole process of doing something, and is often used to modify variety shows or sports games
e.g.
I want to play a game with you.
我想和你打一场比赛。
Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ dǎ yì chǎng bǐsài.

How many Chinese tests are there in a year?
一年有几场汉语考试?
Yìnián yǒu jǐ chǎng hànyǔ kǎoshì?

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