多 (number in excess)

• Pinyin: duō
• Formation: Number + 多 + Measure Word (+ Noun)
• Hanzi breakdown: 多 = 夕 (evening) + 夕 (evening) — two moons suggesting abundance

Meaning

Placing 多 (duō) after a number indicates 'more than' or 'over' that number. It expresses an approximate quantity that exceeds the stated figure.

The position of 多 relative to the measure word affects the meaning. When 多 comes before the measure word (Number + 多 + MW + Noun), the excess is less than one full unit — e.g., 三十多个人 means 'thirty-something people.' When the number is a round number in the tens, hundreds, or thousands, 多 comes directly after the number before the measure word. For single-digit numbers with a measure word, 多 typically goes after the measure word: 三个多小时 means 'more than three hours' where the excess is within the measure unit. This distinction is important for precise communication in Chinese.

Examples

1. 教室里坐了四十多个学生。 Over forty students were sitting in the classroom.
2. 他在这家公司工作了十多年。 He has worked at this company for more than ten years.
3. 这座桥有两百多米长。 This bridge is over two hundred meters long.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这栋楼有二十多层。
• 我们等了一个多小时的公交车。
• 他每天跑步五千多米。

Don't Say

• 教室里有多四十个学生。(多 goes after the number, not before it) → 教室里有四十多个学生。
• 他有三十多很多朋友。(多 already indicates excess — do not add 很多 for emphasis) → 他有三十多个朋友。

Origin & History

多 has meant 'many' or 'much' since ancient Chinese. Its use as a numerical approximation marker developed naturally from its core meaning of abundance or excess.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal