棵

• Pinyin: kē
• Hanzi breakdown: 棵 = 木 (tree/wood radical) + 果 (fruit, phonetic) — the measure for tree-like plants

Meaning

Measure word for trees and plants. Used to count individual trees, shrubs, and certain plants.

A classifier specifically for plants that grow upright with a distinct trunk or stem — primarily trees (棵树) but also applies to plants like 棵白菜 (a head of cabbage). Not used for plants counted by bunch (束, 把) or flowers counted individually (朵). Learning which measure word goes with which plant is key.

Examples

1. 院子里有三棵大树，夏天很凉快。 There are three large trees in the courtyard — it's very cool in summer.
2. 他在山上种了一百棵苹果树。 He planted one hundred apple trees on the hillside.
3. 这棵树已经有一百年的历史了。 This tree is already one hundred years old.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, nature, gardening

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 公园里种了很多棵柳树。(Many willow trees have been planted in the park.)
• 这棵树长得真高。(This tree has grown so tall.)

Don't Say

• 一棵花 (For most flowers, use 朵 not 棵; 棵 is for plants/trees with a rooted, upright structure — say 一朵花 for a bloom and 一棵玫瑰 only for the rose bush/plant itself)

Origin & History

A classifier formed with the tree/wood radical 木 (indicating relevance to plants and trees) and the phonetic component 果 (fruit), further associating it with fruit-bearing trees and plants.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal