measure word / verb / surname HSK 2
Traditional 張
measure word for flat objects (paper, tickets, tables, etc.) · to open up · to spread · surname Zhang
Meaning
张 is primarily used as a measure word for flat, sheet-like objects including paper, tickets, beds, tables, and faces. As a verb, it means to open, spread, or stretch out. It's also one of the most common Chinese surnames.
Usage
As a measure word, 张 is essential for counting flat objects in daily life. When counting paper, photos, beds, or tickets, you must use 张 between the number and noun. The verb usage (to open/stretch) is less common in everyday speech but appears in expressions like 张嘴 (open one's mouth) or 张开 (to spread out).
Examples
- 01请给我一张纸。.Please give me a piece of paper.
- 02我买了两张电影票。.I bought two movie tickets.
Common collocations
- 一张纸a piece of paper
- 一张票a ticket
- 张嘴to open one's mouth
- 张开to open up, to spread
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 張 originally depicted a bow being drawn (弓 bow + 长 long), representing the action of stretching or opening. This meaning extended metaphorically to flat objects that can be spread out.