Many learners instinctively place the number before the verb when counting how many times they've done something. In Mandarin, that word order doesn't work — the number always goes between the verb and 次 (cì). This HSK 2 speaking lesson trains the correct pattern through live conversation with AI teacher Mei Lin.
次 (cì) is a measure word for counting how many times you've done something. The structure is simple: Verb + Number + 次. Take the key sentence:
那个饭馆我去过一次 (nàge fànguǎn wǒ qùguò yí cì) — "I've been to that restaurant once."
The number always sits between the verb and 次, never before the verb. After this lesson, you can tell someone how many times you have done something — visiting a restaurant, watching a movie, or going to a city.
This is a live conversation lesson: you talk out loud with Mei Lin in real time, voice only. In roughly 10 minutes, you'll use 次 (cì) to describe your own experiences — how many times you've visited a restaurant, watched a movie, or gone to a city. Mei Lin corrects your grammar and pronunciation in the flow of conversation and adapts to your level, so if the number slips before the verb, she helps you fix it on the spot.
You can try the first lesson free. For extra writing practice, print handwriting sheets with the free printable Chinese worksheet generator.
Ready for more? Browse all HSK 2 lessons, or try Asking Permission or Doing Things Together next.
次 (cì) is a measure word used for Counting Frequency (How Many Times) — it tells someone how many times you've done an action, like visiting a restaurant or watching a movie. You place it after the verb with a number in between: Verb + Number + 次.
The number always sits between the verb and 次, never before the verb. In the key sentence 那个饭馆我去过一次 (nàge fànguǎn wǒ qùguò yí cì), the structure follows Verb + Number + 次. This Counting Experiences lesson drills that word order through live speaking practice with Mei Lin.
Each live conversation lesson targets one grammar pattern and takes roughly 10 minutes. You'll spend that time talking out loud with Mei Lin, using 次 (cì) to describe real experiences and getting corrections in real time.