Meaning
七十 is the cardinal number seventy in Mandarin Chinese. It is formed by combining 七 (seven) and 十 (ten), following the Chinese numerical system where numbers from 20-99 are constructed by stating the tens digit followed by 十, then the ones digit if present.
Usage
This number is used in all contexts where seventy appears: counting, ages, prices, addresses, dates, etc. When expressing age, it's common to say 七十岁 (qī shí suì). In formal written contexts, it may appear in traditional financial documents using the more complex form 柒拾, though this is rare in everyday use.
Examples
- 01我爷爷今年七十岁了。.My grandfather is seventy years old this year.
- 02这件衣服七十块钱。.This piece of clothing costs seventy yuan.
Characters
Common collocations
- 七十岁seventy years old
- 七十块seventy yuan
- 七十年代the seventies (decade)
- 七十分seventy points/marks
Origin
This number follows the standard Chinese counting system, where multiples of ten from 20-90 are formed by combining the multiplier (七) with the base unit 十. This systematic approach to number formation has been consistent throughout Chinese history.