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数一数二 (shǔ yī-shǔ èr) — (idiom) ranking among the top few; one of the best

Definition

A chengyu meaning 'one of the very best' (ranking #1 or #2). Used as an adjective phrase to praise something outstanding, not literally to count.

idiom
ranking among the top fewone of the best

Examples

  • 数一数二。
    Zhè jiā fàn diàn de cài zài zhè yí dài shì shǔ yī-shǔ èr de.
    The dishes at this restaurant are among the best in this area.
  • ，数一数二。
    Lùn jī běn gōng, hǎo jiào liàn de shuǐ píng zài guó nèi shǔ yī-shǔ èr.
    When it comes to fundamental skills, Coach Hao's level is among the top in the country.
  • ，数一数二。
    Nǐ qù měi guó liú xué, nà lǐ de dà xué zhì liàng kě yǐ shuō shǔ yī-shǔ èr.
    If you study abroad in the U.S., the quality of universities there can be considered one of the best.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

数一count one
数shùcount一yīone
动宾Verb + object
数二count two
数shùcount二èrtwo
动宾Verb + object

Counting one and counting two puts something among the first or second; the paired numerals give the idiom its ranking sense.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 數; 数 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
攴攴pū
Sound part声符shēngfú
婁
婁lóu數shù(r)
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 數 pairs 攴, the meaning part, with 婁, the sound part; the simplified 数 is a shorthand.

Open 数 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

一 is drawn as one horizontal stroke, marking the number one.

Open 一 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 數; 数 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
攴攴pū
Sound part声符shēngfú
婁
婁lóu數shù(r)
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 數 pairs 攴, the meaning part, with 婁, the sound part; the simplified 数 is a shorthand.

Open 数 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

二 is drawn as two parallel strokes, where the number of strokes shows the amount.

Open 二 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Idioms & Set PhrasesGood & Bad

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