岁 suì — Chinese Age Expression
In Chinese, the word 岁 suì is used to express age. It specifically refers to the number of years one has lived, or their age in years.
岁 suì attaches directly to a number to state someone’s — or something’s — age.
1 S + Number + 岁 suì
In Chinese, 岁 suì is considered a measure word, so there’s no need for a linking verb like 是 shì between the number and 岁 suì. You also shouldn’t use the measure word 个 ge before 岁 suì, since it would be redundant.
The expression 我不是三岁小孩 actually translates to “I wasn’t born yesterday” in English. It’s a figurative phrase used to say the speaker isn’t naïve, gullible, or easily fooled — it implies someone mature and experienced enough to see through deceitful behavior.
2 Question
In Chinese culture, directly asking someone’s age is generally considered impolite. However, it’s acceptable in certain situations where it’s relevant — like filling out official forms or checking eligibility for an activity. There are a few different ways to ask someone’s age.
Asking Animals and People
Asking Elders, Like Grandpa or Grandma
In the Hospital
Asking Someone’s Age in Taiwan (Informal)
For this question, the answer is usually given in the Taiwan Minguo Year. Taiwan uses its own calendar, counted from the founding of the Republic of China (ROC) in 1912. For example, the year 2023 in the Gregorian calendar is the 112th year of the Republic of China (民国112年) in the Minguo calendar. It’s commonly used in Taiwan for official purposes, like government documents.
3 Common Mistakes
Remember: 岁 suì is a measure word, so it needs no linking verb like 是 shì, and no extra measure word 个 ge before it.
4 Practice
Translate each sentence into Chinese, then tap the card to check your answer.
Enjoyed this post? Buy me a coffee so I can keep writing more of these ☕
Support OneDotDot Chinese