NetChai Chinese

How to Say “Let's count” in Chinese

数一数
shǔ yī shǔ
Let's count · trad. 數一數
An adult and child point at several items to count them, illustrating “let's count” in Chinese: 数一数 (shǔ yī shǔ)

数一数 (shǔ yi shǔ) means "let's count" or "to count a bit." It's often used when suggesting to count items, such as steps, ducks, or anything else.

What does 数一数 (shǔ yī shǔ) mean?

数一数 (shǔ yī shǔ) means “let's count” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “count a count.”

When to use it

Informal and friendly, often used when encouraging children to count or when suggesting a quick count. It implies a brief or casual action.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “shoo yee shoo.” Both 数 dip (third tone), and the 一 in between is said quickly and lightly.

Other ways to say it

  • 数数shǔshuto count (general)
  • 算一算suàn yī suànto calculate / figure out
  • 点一点diǎn yī diǎnto count / check one by one

Examples

我们来数一数有几只小鸟。
wǒmen lái shǔ yī shǔ yǒu jǐ zhī xiǎoniǎo.
Let's count how many little birds there are.
请你数一数桌子上有多少苹果。
qǐng nǐ shǔ yī shǔ zhuōzi shàng yǒu duōshao píngguǒ.
Please count how many apples are on the table.
孩子们喜欢数一数他们的玩具。
háizimen xǐhuan shǔ yī shǔ tāmen de wánjù.
Children like to count their toys.
Pro tip: The pattern "verb + 一 + verb" indicates a brief, casual, or tentative action. Here, 数一数 means "to count a bit" or "to give counting a try." It's common in everyday speech.

Related phrases

数到三 · Count to three一二三 · 1 2 3这是什么颜色? · What color is this
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