To divide, split, or separate things apart. The number eight (8). Two strokes bending and separating away from each other.
八月 means August (the month). For a duration of eight months, use 八个月.
Time words like 八点 go before the verb. Putting them at the end sounds like an English word-order leak.
No—八点 is a clock time; use 八分钟 for a duration.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Question answered | When? → 八点 | How long? → 八分钟 |
| Example | 我八点睡觉 (I sleep at 8) | 我睡了八分钟 (I slept 8 minutes) |
| Common slip | — | 我睡了八点 (sounds broken) |
Chinese flips the order: 八十 = 8×10, 十八 = 10+8.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 八十 (bā shí) | 十八 (that's 18) |
| 18 | 十八 (shí bā) | 八十 (that's 80) |
| Pattern | tens = digit + 十 | teens = 十 + digit |
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
八千六百多 ！
A： 八千六 ？
她还要换一个电话号码，我帮她选了一个888的号码——这个号码又要 八百 块。
This rhythmic poem helps you practice numbers from one to ten and larger units. Listen to the beat and count along!
七八九 ，十零百。
七十五， 八百三 ，九千四，六万一。
This heartwarming story reveals the quiet devotion of a father. As you read, notice the repeated actions and how a simple cup of tea becomes meaningful.
天天晚上 八点 ，都有一个老先生来。
第二天晚上 八点 ，老先生来了。
Follow a traveler's unexpected hospital stay in China, where counting days and costs becomes practical learning. Practice numbers, dates, food prices, and simple descriptions of a doctor and room.
二零一九年， 八月 十六日，回国第七日，生病第一天。
小菜三十六，大菜 八十多 。
This playful reading contrasts small universities and big primary schools. You will practice basic words for school levels and sizes while enjoying a simple rhythmic verse.
十八 上大学。
This playful poem turns numbers into a rhythm of daily life. As you read, practice counting, days of the week, and common time words in a fun, memorable way.
六七 八 九十，昨天星期四；十四是十四，四十是四十。
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
最厉害的是，他在淝水之战中指挥东晋军队，以 八万 人打败了号称百万的前秦军队，保住了自己的国家。
Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.
他天天上午 八点 上班，晚上九点下班。
Is four years to reach HSK 5 fast or slow? Follow a conversation between two learners as they compare study hours and share realistic strategies for busy adults.
大学里面的学生，每天学四个学时，四年要学 两千八百 个学时。
A young man helps an old man look for his cat. But the real surprise is why the old man wanted to find the cat. Read on to learn about kindness and friendship.
老先生对白天明说：“我 八十岁 了，儿子和女儿都在北京工作，我一个人住在这里。
This playful poem helps you count and practice vocabulary about clothes, students, and pets. Enjoy the rhythm while learning new words.
六七个男学生， 七八个 女同学， 八九个 好朋友。
Follow a day from waking at six-thirty to coming home at eight, then leap across days, months, and years. This simple story helps you practice speaking about routines and life changes with clear time words.
晚上 八点 回到家。
Welcome! This short poem helps you practice the months, weekdays, and mealtimes in Chinese. Read it aloud and notice the rhythm. You already know many of these words!
六月 七八月 ，九十十一月。
Read this short story about people waiting in the rain for a new phone. You will practice numbers, time, and everyday vocabulary.
苹果十九很贵， 八千七百多 块钱。
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