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measure word / noun HSK 4
Traditional 項
xiàng
item · clause · measure word for items/tasks · neck (classical) · back of neck

Meaning

项 is primarily used as a measure word for counting items, tasks, clauses, or categories in formal contexts. It can count anything from administrative items to athletic events to contract clauses. As a noun, it has a classical meaning of 'neck' or 'nape', which is now mostly seen in literary or historical texts.

Usage

Native speakers use 项 when counting discrete items in official, academic, or formal contexts—like laws, projects, or athletic competitions. It sounds more formal than 个. You'll often see it in phrases like '一项任务' (one task) or '多项选择' (multiple choice). The neck meaning is archaic except in some fixed expressions.

Examples

  1. 01
    我们公司今年启动了三项新项目。
    Wǒmen gōngsī jīnnián qǐdòng le sān xiàng xīn xiàngmù.
    Our company launched three new projects this year.
  2. 02
    这次比赛包括五项运动。
    Zhè cì bǐsài bāokuò wǔ xiàng yùndòng.
    This competition includes five sports events.

Common collocations

  • 项目
    xiàng mù
    project, item
  • 多项
    duō xiàng
    multiple items
  • 一项任务
    yī xiàng rèn wù
    one task
  • 各项工作
    gè xiàng gōng zuò
    each task/all the work items

Origin

The traditional form 項 shows the radical 頁 (head/page) on the right, originally depicting the back of the head and neck area. The measure word usage evolved from the idea of listing items sequentially.

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