Question 1

What does 个子 mean in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

个子 (gèzi) is a colloquial noun meaning a person's HEIGHT or overall physical stature. It is almost always used with a descriptive adjective: 个子高 (tall), 个子矮 (short), 个子不高不矮 (medium height). Two notes for English speakers: first, 个子 only describes people, not buildings or trees — for those you would use 高 directly. Second, 个子 carries no measurement; it gives an impression.

When you want to state an exact number in centimeters, switch to 身高 (shēngāo) — 我身高一米七 (my height is 1.7 meters). Body-build sense ('a small build') is also covered: 个子小 sounds natural, while 'small height' would be wrong in English. Treat 个子 as 'how tall/built someone is.'

Question 2

How do you pronounce 个子?

Accepted Answer

个子 is pronounced gèzi — 个 (gè), 子 (zi).

Question 3

Is 个子 a noun, verb, or something else?

Accepted Answer

个子 is a noun, register: spoken. Everyday spoken word. In medical, official, or formal written contexts, 身高 (shēngāo) is used instead.

Question 4

What is the measure word for 个子?

Accepted Answer

Use 个 (gè). Example: 一个个子 — general, rare since 个子 usually appears with an adjective like 高 or 矮 rather than a measure word.

Question 5

What's the difference between 个子 and 个?

Accepted Answer

个 alone is the general measure word ('one of something'). 个子 with the 子 suffix is a noun meaning 'height.' Don't say 他个很高; say 他个子很高.

Question 6

What's the difference between 个子 and 高?

Accepted Answer

高 is the adjective 'tall.' 个子 is the noun 'height.' You combine them — 他个子高 (he is tall) — but they are not interchangeable on their own.

个子

What does 个子 mean?

Character breakdown

Measure word for 个子

Example sentences

Common phrases with 个子

Synonyms

Don't confuse 个子 with

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