PMW Translation #49: Mastering Approximate Numbers

🌀 Pearls of Mandarin Worksheet: Translation #49

Hello Mandarin Enthusiasts! 🌟

This week in CGG #50, we looked at how to express “about” or “more than” in Mandarin, using tools like 多 (duō) for slight excesses, 几 (jǐ) for small numbers, or even 来 (lái) for ranges above round numbers.

Translation is one of the best ways to train your brain to think in Mandarin, and today’s exercises are all about making these structures second nature. From “a few apples” to estimating ages and talking about “more than 20 books,” these sentences will help you use approximations naturally and confidently.

Practice makes progress, so let’s dive in! 🌀

Recap of CGG #50 lesson

• Using 多 (duō) after the Measure Word: In the pattern [Number] + [Measure Word] + 多, duō emphasizes the small excess beyond a specific number. This is often used with single-digit or precise quantities.

• Using 多 (duō) before the Measure Word: In the pattern [Number] + 多 + [Measure Word], duō indicates a slightly higher quantity, typically for multiples of ten or larger numbers. It’s not used with single-digit numbers.

• Using 大概 (dàgài) and 大约 (dàyuē): These formal words are interchangeable and precede a number with a measure word to indicate an approximate quantity. They’re perfect for both large and small estimates in formal or neutral contexts.

• Using 几 (jǐ) for Small Numbers: This casual structure ([Subject] + 几 + [Measure Word]) is commonly used for estimating small numbers, generally fewer than 10, and gives a relaxed, conversational tone.

• Using Adjacent Numbers for Ranges: Phrases like “十五六岁” (shí wǔ liù suì, 15 or 16 years old) or “七八十个人” (qī bā shí gè rén, around 70 or 80 people) are a natural way to suggest a range of approximate numbers without precision.

• Using 来 (lái) for Small Ranges Above: In the structure [Number] + 来 + [Measure Word], lái indicates a slight range above a given number, often with medium or large quantities (e.g., tens, hundreds). It’s not used with single-digit numbers.

Today’s Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. She bought a few apples from the market.

2. The kids playing outside look 6 or 7 years old.

3. The company has hired about 200 people this year.

4. The ticket costs slightly more than 5 yuan.

5. I have more than 20 books in my collection.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌀 Translation #1

She bought a few apples from the market.

“A few” indicates an unspecified small quantity. When translating such approximate small quantities into Mandarin, we have several options: 大概 or 大约 (dàgài / dàyuē) for a formal estimation, or 几 (jǐ) for a more casual approximation of small numbers.

Since we’re in a casual shopping scenario involving a small quantity (likely fewer than 10 apples), 几 is the most natural choice.

📚 Structure: 几 + [Measure Word] + [Noun]

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 她 (tā) means “she.”

• 在 (zài) is a preposition introducing a location.

• 市场 (shìchǎng) means “market.”

• 上 (shàng) is a locative particle that combines with 在 to mean “at/in.”

• 买 (mǎi) means “to buy.”

• 了 (le) indicates completed action, because it’s placed right after the verb.

• 几 (jǐ) means “a few” or “several.”

• 个 (gè) is a measure word, needed between numbers (even when unspecified) and nouns.

• 苹果 (píngguǒ) means “apple.”

Notes

• Here 几 doesn’t mean “how many?” but “a few.”

• Don’t use 大概 (dàgài) or 大约 (dàyuē), they’re too formal in this context.

Recap

• 她在市场上买了几个苹果。

• 她 / 在 / 市场 / 上 / 买 / 了 / 几 / 个 / 苹果。

• tā zài shìchǎng shàng mǎi le jǐ gè píngguǒ

• She bought a few apples from the market.

• she / (locative 在) / market / (locative 上) / buy / (completion particle 了) / few / (measure word 个) / apple

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🌀 Translation #2

The kids playing outside look 6 or 7 years old.