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How to say “one by one” in Chinese with 一 + measure word

一 (yī) + Measure Word + 一 (yī) + Measure Word + 地 (de) + Verb

Reduplication of measure words

HSK 2Measure Words

Rule structure

The 一 (yī) + measure word reduplication shows that an action is performed sequentially for each individual item in a group. It is often used adverbially before the verb.

Examples

他一本一本地读完了这些书。

Tā yī běn yī běn de dú wán le zhèxiē shū.

He finished reading these books one by one.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Reduplication of measure words” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 一 (yī) + Measure Word + 一 (yī) + Measure Word + 地 (de) + Verb. For example: 他一本一本地读完了这些书。 — “He finished reading these books one by one.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他一本一本地读完了这些书。 — “He finished reading these books one by one.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.

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More HSK 2 grammar rules

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Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"

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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)"

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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.