n.
bread
面包
Common Usage & Traps
- 吃面包 — eat bread
- 买面包 — buy bread
- 一个面包 — one whole bread or bun
- 一块面包 — a piece of bread
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两个面包 (when you mean two pieces)两块面包两个 counts whole breads or buns, not pieces. Use 块 for pieces or chunks.
Can you say 一个面包, or is it always 一块面包?
Both work, but they picture different things: whole item vs piece.
一个面包 means one whole bread or bun you pick up at a bakery. 一块面包 means one piece or chunk you tear or cut from a larger bread. So use 一个 when counting whole items, and use 一块 when counting pieces. If you want two pieces from a loaf, say 两块面包, not 两个面包.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Whole bun or loaf | 一个面包 | 一块面包 when you mean the whole item |
| Piece or chunk | 一块面包 | 一个面包 when you mean a piece |
| Two pieces from a loaf | 两块面包 | 两个面包 when you mean two pieces |
Do you always need a measure word with 面包?
No. You drop the measure word when you mean bread in general.
You only need a measure word when you count or point to a specific unit of bread. When you talk about buying bread in general, just say 买面包, with no 个 or 块. The story sentence lists groceries: 鸡蛋、面包、牛奶, with 面包 standing bare. Add a measure word when the number matters: 一个面包, 两块面包. “我买了鸡蛋、面包、牛奶，还有一些水果，这些都是你和我的吃的和喝的东西，还有给我们的小猫和小狗吃的东西。” (I bought eggs, bread, milk, and some fruit; these are food and drinks for you and me, and food for our kitten and puppy.) ── [《吃的东西和喝的东西》](/read/buying-food-drinks#s10)
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bread in general | 买面包 | 买一个面包 if you just mean bread generally |
| One whole unit | 买一个面包 | 买面包 if you mean exactly one |
| Two pieces | 买两块面包 | 买两个面包 if you mean pieces |
Appears in Stories 4 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
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.
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面包 一块二，牛奶四块三。
This simple story introduces you to a family and what each member likes to do. Learn helpful words for food and daily activities as you read about Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, and the kids.
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爷爷吃 面包 ，奶奶喝牛奶。
Before you read, think about names: a train is called 'fire vehicle' in Chinese, but there's no fire! This simple rhyme will help you laugh while reviewing everyday words.
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包子不是包儿， 面包 也不是。
This is a short dialogue about a shopping trip. A woman buys many things, including food, drinks, furniture, and pet food, while her boyfriend reminds her not to overspend.
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我买了鸡蛋、 面包 、牛奶，还有一些水果，这些都是你和我的吃的和喝的东西，还有给我们的小猫和小狗吃的东西。
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