册

• Pinyin: cè
• Hanzi breakdown: 册 = pictograph of bamboo slips bound together

Meaning

Volume; copy. A measure word for books.

Used as a measure word specifically for bound books and volumes. Also appears in words like 画册 (picture album), 手册 (handbook), and 纪念册 (memorial book).

Examples

1. 这套丛书一共有十册，我已经读完五册了。 This series has ten volumes in total — I've already finished five.
2. 图书馆新进了几百册图书。 The library has received several hundred new books.
3. 请给我一册宣传手册。 Please give me a copy of the promotional brochure.

Usage Guide

Context: books, literature, library

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这本书分上下两册。(This book is divided into two volumes.)
• 我买了三册杂志。(I bought three copies of magazines.)

Don't Say

• 用'册'量单张纸或报纸——应该用'张'或'份' (Don't use 册 for single sheets or newspapers — use 张 or 份 instead)

Origin & History

Originally depicted bamboo slips tied together, the traditional form of Chinese books.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal