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measure word / noun HSK 3
zuò
seat · measure word for large, immovable objects like buildings, mountains, bridges

Meaning

座 primarily functions as a measure word for large, fixed structures and landmarks. It can also mean 'seat' or 'base' as a noun. When used as a classifier, it emphasizes the substantial, stationary nature of the object being counted.

Usage

Native speakers use 座 to count things like buildings, mountains, bridges, cities, and statues. It's the natural choice when the object is large and permanently positioned. As a noun meaning 'seat', it appears in compounds like 座位 (seat/place) and 入座 (to take a seat). The measure word usage is more common in everyday speech.

Examples

  1. 01
    这座桥有一百多年的历史了。
    Zhè zuò qiáo yǒu yī bǎi duō nián de lìshǐ le.
    This bridge has over a hundred years of history.
  2. 02
    北京有很多座古老的寺庙。
    Běijīng yǒu hěn duō zuò gǔlǎo de sìmiào.
    Beijing has many ancient temples.

Common collocations

  • 一座山
    yī zuò shān
    a mountain
  • 一座城市
    yī zuò chéng shì
    a city
  • 一座桥
    yī zuò qiáo
    a bridge
  • 一座大楼
    yī zuò dà lóu
    a building

Origin

The character 座 originally depicted people sitting under a roof, combining the radical 广 (shelter) with 坐 (to sit). This etymology connects to both its meaning as 'seat' and its use for permanent structures.

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