Verbal Measure Words 2 — 场 chǎng, 顿 dùn, 趟 tàng
Three more measure words that count actions instead of nouns — for events that run their course, meals, intense concentrated actions, and trips there and back.
The pattern is Verb + 了 + Number + Measure Word (+ Object). Like the verbal measure words you’ve already seen, these go right after the verb — but each carries its own specific flavor of “one instance.”
1 Quick Reference
A cheat sheet before diving into examples.
| Word | Used For | Example Verbs |
|---|---|---|
| 场 chǎng | An event that runs its course | rain, movies, games, dreams, arguments |
| 顿 dùn | Meals, or concentrated sessions of action | eating, scolding, beating, complaining |
| 趟 tàng | A trip, there and back | going somewhere, running an errand |
2 Usage
场 chǎng — An Event That Runs Its Course
场 chǎng is reserved for things with a real beginning, middle, and end — a spell of rain, a full movie showing, a match, a dream, even an argument. It carries a sense of “the whole performance,” which is why it doesn’t attach to quick, one-off actions the way 次 cì does.
顿 dùn — Meals, or Concentrated Sessions of Action
It might seem weird that the same measure word is used for eating a meal (一顿饭) and getting yelled at (骂一顿). But 顿 essentially means “a pause” or “a distinct session.” It measures an action that happens continuously for a concentrated period of time and then comes to a stop.
You sit down, eat continuously, and finish. Or, someone loses their temper, yells at you continuously for a few minutes, and then stops. It emphasizes the intense, concentrated “burst” of the action — which is why it often pairs with scolding, beating, or complaining.
趟 tàng — A Trip, There and Back
Unlike the neutral 次 cì, 趟 tàng specifically implies travel — going somewhere and, usually, coming back. That’s why it pairs naturally with 去 qù (go) and 跑 pǎo (run/dash) but sounds odd with verbs that don’t involve movement.
3 Practice Quiz
Fill in the blank with the correct measure word.
昨天发生了一 ＿＿＿ 大火。
There was a big fire yesterday.
我昨晚做了一 ＿＿＿ 恶梦。
I had a nightmare last night.
我们吵了一 ＿＿＿ 架。
We had a big fight.
我吃了一 ＿＿＿ 饱饭。
I ate a full meal.
老师把他骂了一 ＿＿＿。
The teacher scolded him severely.
我得去一 ＿＿＿ 邮局。
I need to run an errand to the post office.
这 ＿＿＿ 日本之行很棒。
This trip to Japan was amazing.
上星期下了一 ＿＿＿ 大雪。
There was a heavy snowfall last week.
我们去吃一 ＿＿＿ 便饭吧。
Let’s grab a quick meal.
他特地跑了一 ＿＿＿ 来看我。
He made a special trip just to see me.
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