measure word / noun HSK 2
(polite measure word for people) · position · place · seat · digit
Meaning
位 is primarily used as a respectful measure word for people, similar to how English might say 'this gentleman' or 'that lady' rather than just 'this person.' It can also mean a position or location, and in mathematics refers to a digit or decimal place.
Usage
When counting people politely or formally, use 位 instead of the more casual 个. Common in service contexts (restaurants, hotels, customer service) and formal situations. Also appears in words related to position, rank, and numerical place values.
Examples
- 01请问几位？?How many people in your party? (at a restaurant)
- 02这位老师教我们中文。.This teacher teaches us Chinese.
Common collocations
- 各位everyone (polite), ladies and gentlemen
- 这位this person (polite)
- 几位how many people (polite)
- 单位unit, work unit
Origin
The character 位 combines the person radical 亾 (person) with 立 (to stand), suggesting a person standing in a particular position or place.