Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
个子(個子)gèzi(ge4zi5)
个子 (gè zi) refers to a person's height or stature. It can also describe the build or size of objects, making it a versatile term in both physical and abstract contexts, such as discussing someone's physical appearance or the size of furniture.
Frequency#7283DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, height can be associated with health and attractiveness, particularly in the context of dating and social perceptions. Many discussions about physical characteristics often include 个子.
Memory Tip
Think of '个' (gè) as a person standing alone, representing 'individual' and '子' (zi) as a small child. Imagine a small child measuring their height against a door frame, helping you remember that this word relates to height and size.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 个子
Quick Contrast
高 (tall) — use 个子 when referring to height in a general sense, while 高 specifically emphasizes the quality of being tall.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '个' (gè) as a person standing alone, representing 'individual' and '子' (zi) as a small child. Imagine a small child measuring their height against a door frame, helping you remember that this word relates to height and size.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; it’s pronounced with a fourth tone (个) and a neutral tone (子). Common mistakes include confusing it with '高度' (gāodù), which specifically means 'height' in a more technical sense. Use '个子' in informal contexts, while '身高' (shēngāo) is more formal.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 个子 connects well with other terms about physical descriptions, such as '胖' (pàng - fat) and '瘦' (shòu - thin). Students should focus on combining it with adjectives to describe various builds.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, height can be associated with health and attractiveness, particularly in the context of dating and social perceptions. Many discussions about physical characteristics often include 个子.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 个子 with '身高' (shēngāo), which is more formal and specific to height. For example, saying '我的身高是175个子' is incorrect; it should be '我的身高是175厘米' (wǒ de shēngāo shì 175 límǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 个子
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 个子 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 个子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 个子
个子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
méi lì suō shì gè fēng mǎn de gāo gè zǐ jīn fā měi nǚ。
Melissa was a tall, buxom blonde.
6
他个子小，看上去不事张扬。
tā gè zǐ xiǎo， ， kàn shàng qù bù shì zhāng。
He was a small and to all appearances an unassuming man.
7
小个子男人脏乎乎的短裤口袋里鼓鼓的，伸出来个什么东西。
xiǎo gè zǐ nán rén zāng hū hū de duǎn kù kǒu dài lǐ gǔ gǔ de， ， shēn chū lái gè shí mó dōng。
Something was sticking from the pocket of the little man's grimy shorts.
8
他个子很高，衣着朴素。
tā gè zǐ hěn gāo， ， yī zháo pǔ。
He was very tall and plainly dressed.
9
个子高会使你感觉极其自信。
gè zǐ gāo huì shǐ nǐ gǎn jué jí qí zì xìn。
Being tall can make you feel incredibly self-confident.
10
她因自己个子高而困窘。
tā yīn zì jǐ gè zǐ gāo ér kùn jiǒng。
She's embarrassed about her height.
Cultural Notes for 个子
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, height can be associated with health and attractiveness, particularly in the context of dating and social perceptions. Many discussions about physical characteristics often include 个子.
Frequently Asked Questions about 个子
You can say, '他的个子很高' (tā de gè zi hěn gāo), meaning 'He is very tall.'
No, 个子 is primarily used for people and objects; for animals, you would use '体型' (tǐ xíng) to describe size.
No, 个子 specifically refers to height or size, not weight; use '体重' (tǐ zhòng) for weight.
