Grammar Point:
In Chinese, the word 来 lái can be used to indicate an approximate number when paired with a quantifier or measure word. This usage implies an estimation or approximation rather than an exact count.
Structure
Approximate Number + lái + MW + (N)
大約十來個人大约十来个人
About ten people.
他身高一百八十來公分他身高一百八十来公分
His height is about 180 centimeters.
我家有五十來本書我家有五十来本书
There are about fifty books in my house.
你二十來顆草莓就要賣1000塊錢也太貴了吧!你二十来颗草莓就要卖1000块钱也太贵了吧!
Selling twenty-something strawberries for 1000 dollars is too expensive!
算一算我已經三十來年沒回家了算一算我已经三十来年没回家了
I reckon it’s been about thirty years since I last went home.
那位奶奶應該有七十來歲那位奶奶应该有七十来岁
That grandma should be about seventy years old.
FYI
In Taiwan, seniors aged 65 and above are offered a variety of government-subsidized free courses, including health promotion, leisure activities, arts, humanities, and life education. These courses aim to keep them active and engaged. Organized by local governments or social welfare organizations, these courses provide opportunities for seniors to continue learning and participate in social activities. Additionally, there are transportation subsidies, monthly allowances, and regular health checks to ensure their well-being.
Practice
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✔️ They have about thirty cats at home.
他家有三十來隻貓他家有三十来只猫
✔️ This novel probably has about five hundred thousand words.
這本小說大概有五十來萬字这本小说大概有五十来万字
✔️ The dishes at this restaurant cost around thirty dollars each.
這個餐廳的菜價差不多三十來塊錢这个餐厅的菜价差不多三十来块钱
- Approximate Number with 大约 dàyuē (HSK 3)
- Approximate Number with 几 jǐ (HSK 3)