份

• Pinyin: fèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 份 = 亻(person radical) + 分 (to divide) — a person's share or portion

Meaning

Measure word for portions, servings, copies, or sets. Used to count things that come in portions or copies.

A versatile measure word used for meals or food portions (一份饭), documents or newspapers (一份报纸), and gifts (一份礼物). It implies a complete set or portion of something.

Examples

1. 我要一份炒饭。 I'd like a serving of fried rice.
2. 请给我两份这个文件。 Please give me two copies of this document.
3. 他送了我一份生日礼物。 He gave me a birthday present.

Usage Guide

Context: ordering food, documents, gifts

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 我要点一份沙拉。(I'd like to order a salad.)
• 请打印三份报告。(Please print three copies of the report.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'份'来量书或本子 — for books use 本, for sheets of paper use 张; 份 is for complete documents, meals, or sets (Don't say 一份书).

Origin & History

Originally meant a share or portion in the sense of dividing something. Related to 分 (to divide), with the 亻radical suggesting a person's share.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal