数字
shùzì
Numbers · trad. 數字
数字 (shùzì) is the most common and general term for "numbers" in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to numerical figures, digits, or quantities in a broad sense.
What does 数字 (shùzì) mean?
数字 (shùzì) means “numbers” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “number character.”
When to use it
Neutral. It's appropriate in almost any situation. When talking about specific types of numbers, like a phone number or house number, you'll often use 号码 (hàomǎ).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “SHOO-dzuh.” The first syllable is a falling tone, and the second is a light, neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 号码hàomǎnumber (e.g., phone number, house number)
- 数shùnumber, count, figure (often in compounds)
- 数量shùliàngquantity, amount
Examples
请写下这些数字。
qǐng xiě xià zhèxiē shùzì.
Please write down these numbers.
你的电话号码是多少？
nǐ de diànhuà hàomǎ shì duōshǎo?
What is your phone number?
这个数字很重要。
zhège shùzì hěn zhòngyào.
This number is very important.
Pro tip: While 数字 is the general term for 'numbers,' when asking for a phone number, room number, or any identifying number, you'll almost always use 号码 (hàomǎ).
Related phrases
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