数目

• Pinyin: shù mù
• Hanzi breakdown: 数 = 娄 (often) + 攵 (tap), to count; 目 = pictograph of an eye, also meaning item

Meaning

Number; amount; quantity. A count or total of items.

Refers to the quantity or count of something. More formal than 数量 in some contexts. Often used when discussing specific figures or statistics. Common in business, reports, and formal writing.

Examples

1. 参加这次活动的人数目超出了我们的预期。 The number of people participating in this event exceeded our expectations.
2. 你先把货物的数目清点一下，确认没有问题再签收。 Please count the goods first and confirm there are no issues before signing for them.
3. 这笔贷款的数目不小，你要考虑清楚。 The amount of this loan is not small — you need to think it through carefully.

Usage Guide

Context: business, statistics, reports

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 数目对吗？(Is the number correct?)
• 这个数目太大了。(This amount is too large.)

Don't Say

• 多少数目 — this is redundant; just ask 数目是多少 or 有多少

Origin & History

Compound of 数 (number) + 目 (item/eye), meaning the counted items or quantity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal