How to say “over” or “more than” in Chinese with 多 (duō)
Number + 多 (duō) + Measure Word (+ Noun)
Indicating a number in excess
Number + 多 (duō) + Measure Word (+ Noun)
HSK 2NumbersIndicating a number in excess
Rule structure
多 (duō) after a round number means “more than / over.” With age and similar fixed units, the usual structure is Number + 多 (duō) + Measure Word, as in 三十多岁 (sānshí duō suì). When the quantity already uses a measure word, 多 (duō) often follows the measure word: 三个多小时 (sān gè duō xiǎoshí).
Rule structure
多 (duō) after a round number means “more than / over.” With age and similar fixed units, the usual structure is Number + 多 (duō) + Measure Word, as in 三十多岁 (sānshí duō suì). When the quantity already uses a measure word, 多 (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.
Examples
他看上去三十多岁。
Tā kàn shàngqù sānshí duō suì.
He looks to be over thirty years old.
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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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More HSK 2 grammar rules
Superlative "最 (zuì)"
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯,但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)
Expressing "for" with "给 (gěi)"
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb Phrase
Using "对 (duì)" with verbs
Subj. + 对 (duì) + Object / Topic + Verb / Evaluative Phrase
Cause and effect with "因为 (yīnwèi)" and "所以 (suǒyǐ)"
因为 (yīnwèi)⋯⋯ 所以 (suǒyǐ)⋯⋯
Verbs followed by "给 (gěi)"
Subj. + Verb + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Obj.
