对 (duì): Chinese measure word
How to use 对 (duì), the Chinese measure word for couples and matching pairs: example nouns with pinyin, sentences and common mistakes.
Last updated 2026-10-30
对
duì
couples and matching pairs
What it's used for
对 counts pairs of people or matching things: couples, partners, twins, earrings, pillows.
Common nouns with 对
- 一对筷子 yí duì kuài zi chopsticks
- 一对夫妇 yí duì fū fù a (married) couple
- 一对夫妻 yí duì fū qī husband and wife
- 一对双胞胎 yí duì shuāng bāo tāi twin
- 一对姐妹 yí duì jiě mèi sisters
- 一对括号 yí duì kuò hào parentheses
- 一对袜子 yí duì wà zi socks
- 一对耳朵 yí duì ěr duo ear
- 一对翅膀 yí duì chì bǎng wing
- 一对耳环 yí duì ěr huán earring
Example sentences
-
他们是一对好朋友。
Tā men shì yí duì hǎo péng you.
They're a pair of good friends.
-
这对夫妻结婚十年了。
Zhè duì fū qī jié hūn shí nián le.
This couple has been married for ten years.
-
我买了一对耳环。
Wǒ mǎi le yí duì ěr huán.
I bought a pair of earrings.
Common mistake
Use 双 for shoes and chopsticks; 对 is mainly for people and matching items.
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