Verbal Measure Words: 番, 声, 趟
动量词：番、声、趟
Quantify actions using 番 (a round/session), 声 (a sound/utterance), and 趟 (a trip/journey)
Place the verbal measure word after the verb to quantify the action. 番 counts rounds or sessions of effort, 声 counts individual sounds or utterances, and 趟 counts trips or journeys.
番 implies thoroughness and sustained effort. 声 is for brief vocal or auditory events. 趟 focuses on the physical going-and-coming of a trip.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Verbal Measure Words: 番, 声, 趟 (动量词：番、声、趟)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 动量词：番、声、趟 pattern
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Understanding 动量词：番、声、趟
While noun measure words describe objects, verbal measure words (动量词) describe actions. At HSK 6, three important ones to master are 番, 声, and 趟. 番 (fān) quantifies a sustained session or round of activity — 讨论一番 means "to have a thorough discussion," implying real effort was put in. It suggests depth and intensity, not a casual mention. 声 (shēng) counts individual sounds or brief utterances — 叫一声 (give a shout), 说一声 (say a word, let someone know). It is used for short, discrete vocal acts. 趟 (tàng) counts trips or journeys — 跑两趟 (make two trips), 去一趟 (go once, make a trip). It emphasises the physical effort of traveling somewhere. These three words add texture and precision to your Chinese — they let listeners know not just what action occurred, but something about its quality and duration. 番 says "this was substantial," 声 says "this was brief," and 趟 says "this involved traveling."
Key Points
- 番 (fān): rounds or sessions of sustained effort — 讨论一番, 考虑一番, 研究一番.
- 声 (shēng): individual sounds or brief utterances — 叫一声, 说一声, 敲一声 (knock once).
- 趟 (tàng): trips or journeys — 跑一趟, 去一趟, 来回两趟.
- 一番 often implies the action was thorough: 经过一番努力 (after a round of effort).
- 说一声 is an extremely common expression meaning "let me/him know" or "just say the word."
- 趟 emphasises the trouble of making a trip: 白跑一趟 (make a wasted trip).
- 番 can also be used before nouns: 一番话 (a speech/set of remarks), 一番心意 (a gesture of goodwill).
The expression 经过一番努力 (after a round of hard effort) appears constantly in Chinese success stories and narratives. It reflects the cultural value placed on perseverance and hard work — success is never easy, it always requires 一番努力.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
经过一番讨论，大家终于达成了共识。
After a thorough discussion, everyone finally reached a consensus.
你要是有什么需要，跟我说一声。
If you need anything, just let me know.
说一声 = give a heads-up
我得去银行跑一趟。
I need to make a trip to the bank.
老师的一番话让我深受启发。
The teacher's words deeply inspired me.
番 before a noun = a substantial set of remarks
她大叫了一声，把大家都吓了一跳。
She let out a scream and startled everyone.
为了办签证，他来回跑了好几趟。
In order to get his visa, he made quite a few trips back and forth.
这件事我要好好考虑一番。
I need to think this matter over carefully.
Common Mistakes
Going to the bank is a trip (趟), not a session of effort (番). 番 is for mental or collaborative activities like discussing, considering, or studying.
Telling someone is a brief verbal act (声), not a trip (趟). Use 一声 for quick utterances and notifications.
A shout is a brief sound (声). 番 would imply a prolonged session of shouting, which is unnatural here.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 番 as "a whole round" — it always implies something was done thoroughly and with effort.
说一声 is one of the most useful phrases in daily Chinese — use it whenever you mean "just let me know."
When you hear 白跑一趟, sympathise — it means someone made a trip for nothing. This is a common complaint!
Practice pairing: discussion (讨论一番), trip (跑一趟), notification (说一声) — three verbs, three different measure words.
Homework
Describe a busy day where you made multiple trips (趟), had a thorough discussion with a colleague (番), and had to notify several people (声). Use each verbal measure word at least twice.