条

• Pinyin: tiáo
• Hanzi breakdown: 条 = 夂 (go slowly) + 木 (wood) — simplified from 條; originally strips of wood

Meaning

Measure word for long, thin, or narrow objects. Used for roads, rivers, fish, trousers, news items, and more.

One of the most versatile measure words in Chinese. Used for long, thin objects (rivers, roads, snakes, fish, scarves), clothing items like trousers (一条裤子), and abstract items (news, messages, rules). Also used for dogs in many dialects (一条狗).

Examples

1. 路上有一条小河。 There is a small river along the road.
2. 我买了两条鱼。 I bought two fish.
3. 妈妈给我发了一条消息。 Mom sent me a message.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, counting, describing objects

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我买了一条新裤子。(I bought a new pair of trousers.)
• 桌上有一条围巾。(There is a scarf on the table.)

Don't Say

• 一条桌子 (Don't use 条 for wide or bulky objects — use 张 for tables and other flat surfaces)

Origin & History

Simplified from 條. Originally depicted strips of wood, evolving into a measure word for long, thin things.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal