位 (wèi) — The Polite Measure Word for People
Show respect when counting guests, teachers, and colleagues
Category: Measure Words
The Rule
位 (wèi) is a respectful measure word for people, used in formal or polite contexts: guests, teachers, doctors, customers, colleagues. It replaces 个 when you want to show respect.
Why This Matters
While 个 works for people in casual speech, 位 adds a layer of politeness similar to how English might say 'lady/gentleman' instead of 'woman/man'. Using 位 at a restaurant ('How many guests?'), in business meetings, or when talking about someone's profession is expected. NOT using it in formal contexts can seem rude.
Examples
• 两位客人 (liǎng wèi kèrén) — "two guests" [Polite and expected when talking about guests] • 请问几位？(qǐngwèn jǐ wèi?) — "How many in your party? (restaurant)" [Standard restaurant greeting — always 位, never 个] • 这位老师 (zhè wèi lǎoshī) — "this teacher" [Respectful way to refer to a teacher] • 那位女士 (nà wèi nǚshì) — "that lady" [位 + formal address = very polite]
Common Mistakes
❌ 几个人？(jǐ gè rén?) to a restaurant host ✅ 几位？(jǐ wèi?) → In service contexts, 个 sounds blunt and slightly rude. 位 is the expected polite form. ❌ Using 位 for criminals or negative contexts: 一位小偷 ✅ 一个小偷 (yí gè xiǎotōu, a thief) → 位 conveys respect. Using it for thieves, criminals, or people you dislike is inappropriate and sarcastic.
Quick Tip
When in doubt about whether to use 个 or 位 for people, 位 is always the safer choice in any professional or service setting.
When in doubt about whether to use 个 or 位 for people, 位 is always the safer choice in any professional or service setting.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: 几个人？(jǐ gè rén?) to a restaurant host → Correct: 几位？(jǐ wèi?). In service contexts, 个 sounds blunt and slightly rude. 位 is the expected polite form.
Incorrect: Using 位 for criminals or negative contexts: 一位小偷 → Correct: 一个小偷 (yí gè xiǎotōu, a thief). 位 conveys respect. Using it for thieves, criminals, or people you dislike is inappropriate and sarcastic.
Quiz
When would you NOT use 位?