How to say “over” or “more than” in Chinese with 多 (duō)

Number + (duō) + Measure Word (+ Noun)

Indicating a number in excess

HSK 2Numbers

Rule structure

(duō) after a round number means “more than / over.” With age and similar fixed units, the usual structure is Number + (duō) + Measure Word, as in 三十多岁 (sānshí duō suì). When the quantity already uses a measure word, (duō) often follows the measure word: 三个多小时 (sān gè duō xiǎoshí).

Examples

他看上去三十多岁。

Tā kàn shàngqù sānshí duō suì.

He looks to be over thirty years old.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Indicating a number in excess” in Chinese?

Use the structure: Number + 多 (duō) + Measure Word (+ Noun). For example: 他看上去三十多岁。 — “He looks to be over thirty years old.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他看上去三十多岁。 — “He looks to be over thirty years old.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.

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