颗

• Pinyin: kē
• Hanzi breakdown: 颗 = 果 (fruit) + 页 (page/head), originally referring to something round like a fruit

Meaning

A measure word for small, round objects like seeds, gems, teeth, or hearts.

One of many Chinese measure words, specifically for small, typically round or granular objects. Common objects counted with 颗 include stars, pearls, diamonds, teeth, hearts, bullets, and seeds. Not interchangeable with other measure words like 个.

Examples

1. 天上有无数颗星星在闪烁。 Countless stars are twinkling in the sky.
2. 她戴着一颗钻石项链，非常漂亮。 She wore a diamond necklace, very beautiful.
3. 他掉了两颗牙，说话漏风。 He lost two teeth and speaks with a lisp.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, descriptive

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她有一颗善良的心。(She has a kind heart.)
• 我找到了几颗珍珠。(I found several pearls.)

Don't Say

• 一颗苹果。(For whole fruits, use 个 — 颗 is for small, seed-like objects, not large fruits)

Origin & History

颗 originally referred to the head (from 果 guǒ, fruit/result + 页 yè, head). Evolved to be a measure word for small round things resembling seeds or beads.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal