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

FAQ

Hear 个子 in real Chinese, not in a flashcard.