Chinese Measure Word 部 (bù)
If you’ve been learning Chinese for a while, you’ve probably noticed something called “measure words” (量词 liàngcí).
One that confuses a lot of students is 部 (bù), so here’s a simple breakdown.
部 is a measure word used for things like movies, machines, and even formal systems like laws. Think of it as a classifier for “units” of complex or structured things.
The most common use you’ll see is with films:
一部电影 (yī bù diànyǐng) – a movie
这部电影很好看 – this movie is very good
You can also use it for TV series or shows:
一部电视剧 – a TV drama
And for certain machines or devices:
一部手机 – a mobile phone
一部电脑 – a computer
It can even be used for vehicles in some contexts:
一部车 – a car (less common than 辆, but still used depending on context)
And an important one learners often miss — laws and formal documents:
一部法律 (yī bù fǎlǜ) – a law
一部宪法 – a constitution
一部法典 – a legal code
A helpful way to think about 部 is: it’s often used for “complete, organized units” — things that have structure, like a film, a system, a device, or a formal body of rules.
Quick comparison:
个 (gè) = general, used for almost anything
部 (bù) = specific, used for movies, machines, structured items, and laws
So instead of saying 一个电影 or 一个法律 (which sound off), you should say 一部电影 and 一部法律.
If you’re unsure, just remember: if it’s structured and complete: like a movie, a piece of tech, or a legal system — 部 is a safe bet.
Measure words are tricky, but patterns like this make them much easier to remember. 加油